One of the reason school districts in California are suffering is because private-equity groups are pushing in and taking over special-ed funding. The numbers are shocking.
Hey FCMAT, Why is Private Equity staffing our schools? trailer...
YouTube video by Sky Nelson-Isaacs
www.youtube.com
October 5, 2026 at 3:40 AM
One of the reason school districts in California are suffering is because private-equity groups are pushing in and taking over special-ed funding. The numbers are shocking.
Woke up to an article about our catastrophic school district layoffs & a quote from the FCMAT CEO who attended via Zoom just lit me up.
Paraphrasing: the community is to blame for not speaking up earlier about dysfunction.
AYFKM?!
Paraphrasing: the community is to blame for not speaking up earlier about dysfunction.
AYFKM?!
a cartoon character with an angry look on his face has the hashtag freetopsticker on the bottom
Alt: Anger from Inside Out exploding in rage
media.tenor.com
February 19, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Woke up to an article about our catastrophic school district layoffs & a quote from the FCMAT CEO who attended via Zoom just lit me up.
Paraphrasing: the community is to blame for not speaking up earlier about dysfunction.
AYFKM?!
Paraphrasing: the community is to blame for not speaking up earlier about dysfunction.
AYFKM?!
Positive change expected from second FCMAT report
Positive change expected from second FCMAT report
Real estate, student enrollment figures and trustee board openings were on the agenda at the regular meeting of the Plumas County Office of Education and
plumassun.org
September 30, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Positive change expected from second FCMAT report
Upper Lake Unified School District is seeking a $2.5 million advance on future property taxes amid concerns over financial stability and high superintendent salaries.
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#LakeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #SchoolFinance #CommunitySupport
Get the details!
#LakeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #SchoolFinance #CommunitySupport
County treasurer outlines $2.5M credit line for Upper Lake USD; LCOE/FCMAT to monitor finances
County Treasurer Patrick Sullivan reported a request from Upper Lake Unified School District for a $2.5 million advance of property-tax revenues structured as a credit line; Lake County Office of Education and the state's FCMAT will evaluate the district's fiscal health after LCOE disapproved the district's 2026–27 budget.
citizenportal.ai
October 2, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Upper Lake Unified School District is seeking a $2.5 million advance on future property taxes amid concerns over financial stability and high superintendent salaries.
Get the details!
#LakeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #SchoolFinance #CommunitySupport
Get the details!
#LakeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #SchoolFinance #CommunitySupport
District update: they are absolutely insolvent and are going to be taken over by the state. Which they had coming for hiring cronies and family for jobs they weren’t qualified for.
Anyway, the state will be selecting an administrator in the absence of a district superintendent.
Anyway, the state will be selecting an administrator in the absence of a district superintendent.
June 17, 2025 at 11:19 PM
District update: they are absolutely insolvent and are going to be taken over by the state. Which they had coming for hiring cronies and family for jobs they weren’t qualified for.
Anyway, the state will be selecting an administrator in the absence of a district superintendent.
Anyway, the state will be selecting an administrator in the absence of a district superintendent.
FCMAT is the state entity the story is referring to and they do really critical work:
www.fcmat.org/Publications...
www.fcmat.org/Publications...
September 23, 2025 at 4:31 AM
FCMAT is the state entity the story is referring to and they do really critical work:
www.fcmat.org/Publications...
www.fcmat.org/Publications...
Upper Lake Unified School District is seeking a $2.5 million advance against future property tax receipts, sparking concerns over fiscal oversight and accountability in the community.
Read the full story
#LakeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LakeCountySchools #PublicFunding
Read the full story
#LakeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LakeCountySchools #PublicFunding
Upper Lake Unified seeks $2.5M tax‑revenue advance; county, state oversight discussed
County treasury staff described a request by Upper Lake Unified School District for a $2.5 million credit line against future property tax receipts; county staff said the advance is permissible but noted fiscal concerns and LCOE and FCMAT involvement in reviewing district finances.
citizenportal.ai
October 2, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Upper Lake Unified School District is seeking a $2.5 million advance against future property tax receipts, sparking concerns over fiscal oversight and accountability in the community.
Read the full story
#LakeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LakeCountySchools #PublicFunding
Read the full story
#LakeCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #LakeCountySchools #PublicFunding
San Francisco Unified faces serious fiscal challenges with a risk analysis score of 42.9, highlighting critical gaps in budgeting and internal controls that demand immediate attention.
Get the details!
#CA #CitizenPortal #SanFranciscoSchools #LeadershipStability #BudgetTransparency
Get the details!
#CA #CitizenPortal #SanFranciscoSchools #LeadershipStability #BudgetTransparency
FCMAT finds SFUSD at high fiscal risk, flags budgeting and internal-control gaps
FCMAT presented a fiscal health risk analysis that scored San Francisco Unified 42.9 (a high-risk result) and identified weaknesses in budget development, monitoring, position control, internal controls and leadership stability; staff and consultants outlined next steps and board oversight needs.
citizenportal.ai
September 17, 2026 at 8:13 AM
San Francisco Unified faces serious fiscal challenges with a risk analysis score of 42.9, highlighting critical gaps in budgeting and internal controls that demand immediate attention.
Get the details!
#CA #CitizenPortal #SanFranciscoSchools #LeadershipStability #BudgetTransparency
Get the details!
#CA #CitizenPortal #SanFranciscoSchools #LeadershipStability #BudgetTransparency
FCMAT notes SFUSD faces a challenge: general ed enrollment is declining while special ed enrollment is rising. Since special ed funding is tied to general ed numbers, this results in less funding despite growing needs.
April 9, 2025 at 2:54 AM
FCMAT notes SFUSD faces a challenge: general ed enrollment is declining while special ed enrollment is rising. Since special ed funding is tied to general ed numbers, this results in less funding despite growing needs.
FCMAT recommends revisiting paraeducator ratios as class sizes grow, noting a post-COVID rise in student needs. Warns against over-reliance on 1:1 paras and suggests using a structured rubric during assessments for better resource use. #BoardWatch
April 9, 2025 at 3:03 AM
FCMAT recommends revisiting paraeducator ratios as class sizes grow, noting a post-COVID rise in student needs. Warns against over-reliance on 1:1 paras and suggests using a structured rubric during assessments for better resource use. #BoardWatch
Watch EdSource roundtable "Teachers on Strike: Can school districts afford what California teachers want?" @wearecta.bsky.social president David Goldberg, FCMAT CEO Michael Fine, San Diego Unified trustee Sabrina Bazzo, TRUE president Brittoni Ward discuss. edsource.org?page_id=752219 via @edsource
What can schools afford? Experts discuss teachers strikes and funding priorities
An EdSource roundtable examined how districts can balance teachers’ pay demands against classroom needs and volatile state funding.
edsource.org
February 27, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Watch EdSource roundtable "Teachers on Strike: Can school districts afford what California teachers want?" @wearecta.bsky.social president David Goldberg, FCMAT CEO Michael Fine, San Diego Unified trustee Sabrina Bazzo, TRUE president Brittoni Ward discuss. edsource.org?page_id=752219 via @edsource
CA school districts weighed down by new costs of child sexual assaults: billions in claims for victims now adults #FCMAT #CSBA my latest
edsource.org/2025/schools...
edsource.org/2025/schools...
California school districts are weighed down by new costs of old sexual assaults
A 2019 state law widened districts’ liability for past sexual assaults. A report found so far it spurred $2 billion to $3 billion in claims filed on students’ behalf.
edsource.org
February 10, 2025 at 4:41 PM
CA school districts weighed down by new costs of child sexual assaults: billions in claims for victims now adults #FCMAT #CSBA my latest
edsource.org/2025/schools...
edsource.org/2025/schools...
San Francisco Unified School District's recent fiscal health analysis scored a concerning 42.9, raising alarms about budget management and leadership stability.
Click to read more!
#CA #CitizenPortal #LeadershipStability #BudgetMonitoring
Click to read more!
#CA #CitizenPortal #LeadershipStability #BudgetMonitoring
FCMAT finds "high risk" fiscal score for SFUSD, flags budget monitoring and controls
An FCMAT fiscal health risk analysis rated San Francisco Unified 42.9 ("high risk") and highlighted weaknesses in budget development and monitoring, position-control data, internal controls and leadership stability; district staff said many fixes are already underway and committed to dashboard and fraud-control work.
citizenportal.ai
September 9, 2026 at 11:24 PM
San Francisco Unified School District's recent fiscal health analysis scored a concerning 42.9, raising alarms about budget management and leadership stability.
Click to read more!
#CA #CitizenPortal #LeadershipStability #BudgetMonitoring
Click to read more!
#CA #CitizenPortal #LeadershipStability #BudgetMonitoring
Inglewood Unified School District is celebrating a historic milestone, achieving its best performance since entering receivership with no standards below 4 and significant improvements across the board!
Get the details
#CA #CitizenPortal #InglewoodSchools #CommunityProgress
Get the details
#CA #CitizenPortal #InglewoodSchools #CommunityProgress
FCMAT: Inglewood shows milestone progress toward exiting receivership
FCMAT officials told the Inglewood Unified board the district met a milestone in the 14th comprehensive review — no standards below 4 and area averages above 6 — and recommended continued focus on sustaining gains before a one‑year confirmation review.
citizenportal.ai
August 9, 2026 at 5:08 AM
Inglewood Unified School District is celebrating a historic milestone, achieving its best performance since entering receivership with no standards below 4 and significant improvements across the board!
Get the details
#CA #CitizenPortal #InglewoodSchools #CommunityProgress
Get the details
#CA #CitizenPortal #InglewoodSchools #CommunityProgress
#BoardWatch: FCMAT emphasized that fiscal solvency is foundational to the district’s ability to serve students and implement academic goals. He framed the balanced, positively certified budget as a major achievement that supports all other district priorities.
June 24, 2026 at 5:17 AM
#BoardWatch: FCMAT emphasized that fiscal solvency is foundational to the district’s ability to serve students and implement academic goals. He framed the balanced, positively certified budget as a major achievement that supports all other district priorities.
#BoardWatch: FCMAT representative Elliott clarified that the LCAP is a state-required compliance document specifically intended to demonstrate how the district is improving services for focal student groups, and does not encompass the full scope of district priorities.
June 24, 2026 at 4:32 AM
#BoardWatch: FCMAT representative Elliott clarified that the LCAP is a state-required compliance document specifically intended to demonstrate how the district is improving services for focal student groups, and does not encompass the full scope of district priorities.
#BoardWatch: A FCMAT representative expressed support for recent collaboration between staff and CAC and encouraged resolution so the board could approve the SELPA plan.
June 24, 2026 at 3:27 AM
#BoardWatch: A FCMAT representative expressed support for recent collaboration between staff and CAC and encouraged resolution so the board could approve the SELPA plan.
The President also indicated that FCMAT (Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team) representatives were present and invited them to provide brief comments before the board proceeded with further discussion.
June 24, 2026 at 3:26 AM
The President also indicated that FCMAT (Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team) representatives were present and invited them to provide brief comments before the board proceeded with further discussion.
#BoardWatch: Staff provided an update on SELPA goals, noting continued progress and alignment work with FCMAT recommendations, LCAP advisory input, and CAC recommendations.
June 24, 2026 at 3:23 AM
#BoardWatch: Staff provided an update on SELPA goals, noting continued progress and alignment work with FCMAT recommendations, LCAP advisory input, and CAC recommendations.
FCMAT Advisors: Commend the district on making cuts and sticking to the staffing model. They warn that the May Revise could change and other things could come up. Overall they say the district has come a long way.
June 10, 2026 at 4:47 AM
FCMAT Advisors: Commend the district on making cuts and sticking to the staffing model. They warn that the May Revise could change and other things could come up. Overall they say the district has come a long way.
The Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) is a California state-level technical assistance agency.
June 10, 2026 at 4:47 AM
The Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) is a California state-level technical assistance agency.
Presenter reiterates that FCMAT uses statewide averages, not quality indicators, for caseloads. Highlights collaboration at state meetings as key to sharing best practices and using data to improve outcomes. Emphasizes the value of SFUSD’s qualified staff and investing in them. #BoardWatch
April 9, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Presenter reiterates that FCMAT uses statewide averages, not quality indicators, for caseloads. Highlights collaboration at state meetings as key to sharing best practices and using data to improve outcomes. Emphasizes the value of SFUSD’s qualified staff and investing in them. #BoardWatch
Commissioner asks about workload vs. caseload. Presenter says FCMAT didn’t assess IEP minutes or workload, only caseload. Notes SFUSD’s 1:22 ratio aims to reflect workload better than the state max, but measuring workload remains complex. #BoardWatch
April 9, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Commissioner asks about workload vs. caseload. Presenter says FCMAT didn’t assess IEP minutes or workload, only caseload. Notes SFUSD’s 1:22 ratio aims to reflect workload better than the state max, but measuring workload remains complex. #BoardWatch
Presenter apologizes for the report not being uploaded with the slides and agrees to provide clearer responses to FCMAT recommendations in the future. Plans to return with a detailed update on improvements and engagement efforts. #BoardWatch
April 9, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Presenter apologizes for the report not being uploaded with the slides and agrees to provide clearer responses to FCMAT recommendations in the future. Plans to return with a detailed update on improvements and engagement efforts. #BoardWatch
A commissioner requests earlier public and board access to reports, noting the full FCMAT report wasn’t seen ahead of the meeting—only the presentation. Also asks if future reports can include staff responses to recommendations, as done previously. #BoardWatch
April 9, 2025 at 3:11 AM
A commissioner requests earlier public and board access to reports, noting the full FCMAT report wasn’t seen ahead of the meeting—only the presentation. Also asks if future reports can include staff responses to recommendations, as done previously. #BoardWatch