SCOE provides districts with business and administrative support in finance and accounting, information technology, and printing services. The agency monitors and approves school district budgets, produces paychecks and expenditure warrants for all districts, operates a countywide schools data processing system, and reviews school attendance reports.
On behalf of Sonoma County schools, SCOE works closely with related organizations that contribute to the administrative functioning of local schools.
Partner Agencies
2008-09 Accomplishments
Budget & Finance
Provided budget oversight and financial monitoring of districts in accordance with Assembly Bills 1200 and 2756. Appointed a fiscal advisor to assist one local district with critical financial problems and continued for a second year with a fiscal expert assigned to assist another local district.
Conversion to New Financial Software
Initiated a countywide conversion process to a new financial, human resource, and payroll software system. By June 2010, SCOE and the county’s 40 school districts and 27 charter schools will transition from the current system to a new software developed by Escape Technology. During 2008-09, all personnel were trained and began using the new financial component. Training and use of the human resource/payroll portion of the system will occur in 2009-10.
Charter Schools & Special Education
Continued to support charter schools with financial reporting and to work in partnership with SELPA in overseeing special education budgets.
School District Organization
Worked with the Sonoma County Committee on School District Organization to complete a district consolidation study.
Support for District Business Operations
Provided management assistance to one Sonoma County district and two out-of-county schools/agencies as part of SCOE’s role in the regional Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) grant project, which is designed to provide training and short-term financial expertise to districts working to avoid financial difficulties. Also provided monthly business-related workshops and professional development for district personnel.
Support for SCOE Operations
Completed the purchase of a Santa Rosa site for a new community school facility and consolidated off-site Special Education offices in rented space at La Fiesta Educational Center, a school site closed by the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District.