Calculate Actual Reserves

Calculate totals funds and real reserves:

1) Use district Unaudited Actuals for current or EdData for prior years.

• • Get Unaudited Actuals:

    • Via the respective district.

    • Download from district website or request from chief business officer.

      • If online, usually under "School Board" menu

        • September Board Meeting

  • Understand that there are "Other Funds", not just the General Fund

  • Understand that school boards move, "restrict", dollars from the General Fund with a majority vote.

    • Understand that they can return the same dollars to the General Fund with another majority vote.

  • Only presented/discussed in public once a year

  • Approved at September Board Meeting

    • Due to the County Office of Education by October 1st

  • Includes prior year's actual spending and ending balances

    • Consistent moment in time

    • Note "Ending Fund Balance" for each fund, then total.

      • Ending fund balances are on the second page of each funds respective "Expenditures by Object" report

  • Check board agenda for "revisions," recaptures", etc .resolutions to avoid budget "surprises

2) Understand district's definition of "Reserves".

• Most common formula:

"Restricted General Fund" Ending Balance + "Special Reserve for Other than Capital Outlay"

Total Expenditures

3) Include all fund ending balances to calculate real reserves.

• CalProEd's formula:

Total of All Funds Ending Balances

Total Expenditures