Budget Alignment—Strategic Planning for Sustainability

Costs and times
SSC Clients: $290 per attendee
Non-clients: $580 per attendee
Program Begins: 9:00 AM
Program Ends: 12:00 PM
Presenters
Danyel Conolley Vice President
Raphael Guzman Director, Management Consulting Services

Budget reductions are difficult and complicated and, if approached without thoughtful planning and consideration of impacts to programs and operations, the results can negatively impact local educational agency (LEA) culture and minimize trust within the school community. This course provides a comprehensive overview of how school leaders can collaboratively align budgets with LEA priorities during times of fiscal constraint. Participants will explore a structured framework for making informed, transparent, and equitable budget decisions while maintaining a focus on student outcomes and long-term financial health.

Through real-world examples and guided strategies, this course highlights the critical roles of business services, human resources (HR), educational services, the superintendent, and the governing board in identifying reductions, analyzing data, and developing multiyear plans. Attendees will also gain insight into statutory layoff timelines, communication planning, and the importance of aligning budget decisions with the Local Control and Accountability Plan and board priorities.

Who Should Attend

  • LEA leadership teams (chief business official, HR, educational services, and the superintendent)

Cancellation Policy 
 

What You’ll Learn

  • The roles and responsibilities of key departments (business services, HR, educational services) in budget development and reduction planning
  • How to develop a structured framework to guide budget alignment decisions grounded in equity, compliance, and transparency
  • Strategies for identifying and applying essential guiding questions to evaluate programs, staffing, and expenditures
  • How to assign true costs to services and programs to inform reduction decisions
  • Personnel implications, including staffing reductions, attrition, and position control
  • State-mandated timelines and legal requirements related to layoffs and budget adoption
  • Approaches for multiyear financial planning that prioritize long-term fiscal stability over short-term fixes
  • Best practices for effective communication with boards, staff, and the community, including transparency and clarity of fiscal impacts
  • Most current information available as it relates to state policies, legislation, etc.
Location Details
September 22, 2026
DETAILS FOR THIS LOCATION
SSC Clients: $290 per attendee
Non-clients: $580 per attendee
Program Begins: 9:00 AM
Program Ends: 12:00 PM

Thank you for your business. School Services of California Inc. has moved to credit card payments for this service. Please contact us by email at SSC-Assistance@sscal.com or by phone at (916) 446-7517 if this causes an undue hardship for your organization.