Fiscal Accountability

By T. W. "Rick" Richards

San Leandro Unified School District is at a critical financial juncture given the current state of our economy and the $15 to $16 billion deficit that is facing the state.

We need to prepare for a loss of revenue from the state. With limited funding sources (i.e., Commercial & Residential Fees, Parcel Taxes & General Obligation Bonds) for schools that is outside of the local, state & federal funding streams that we receive we need to think `outside the box' to find ways to help generate additional revenues and ways to reduce the districts expenditures.

During my tenure on the board, I have been able to bring my banking and auditing background to benefit the students and district. I am on the board Finance Committee and have chaired the committee for the last seven (7) years. By doing so, I have seen first hand and have worked closely with staff in developing & reviewing budget. I have been able help to identify and recommended ways for the district to reduce their expenditures. I am working hard to make sure that your taxes dollars are being spent wisely and for the overall benefit of students.

I will continue:

• Identifying ways to reduce the district expenditures. I personally have identified approx. $1.5 million in expenditures that we can reduce without it impacting the classrooms or reducing staff.

• Identifying additional revenue sources through partnerships with businesses, community based organizations, grants, etc. I founded a foundation that has been able to raise and donate over $56,000 to our schools to help keep music in our eleven (11) elementary, middle & high schools.

• Working with the City and developers, as new commercial and residential projects are being pursued by the city, to identify creative ways and solutions for the district in their usage of the development fees associated with the project for our schools.

• Educating the community of the districts and student successes, our needs and goals to help bring the community together in support of our schools and the passage of a parcel tax.