Schools

Lake Elsinore Unified Among 188 School Districts In Financial Jeopardy, State Superintendent Says

State Superintendent Tom Torlakson released Monday the list of districts across the state that may not have the funds to get through this year or the next two years based on multiyear projections.

Lake Elsinore Unified School District faces financial jeopardy, according to the state superintendent of public instruction.

State Superintendent Tom Torlakson released Monday the list of districts across the state that may not have the funds to get through this year or the next two years based on multiyear projections.

There are 188 school districts that fall under this category, and they are responsible for the education of 2.6 million children, according to Torlakson. There are more than 1,000 school districts across the state.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“This is the kind of record no one wants to set. Across California, parents, teachers and administrators are increasingly wondering how to keep their schools’ lights on, their bills paid, and their doors open,” Torlakson said in a press release. “The deep cuts this budget crisis has forced—and the uncertainties about what lies ahead—are taking an unprecedented and unacceptable toll on our schools.”

The figures out of Sacramento are based on school districts’ second financial report for the year. LEUSD officials have warned of a budget shortfall – as much as $15 million for the 2012-13 school year.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The state’s new list is a compilation of the certifications by school districts that were due April 16 and cover the financial and budgetary status of the districts for the period ending Jan. 31, 2012.

A dozen school districts’ situation is so dire, they’ve had to file their interim financial reports with a negative certification, meaning they declared with certainty they will not be able to meet their financial obligations. The LEUSD is not on that list.

In addition to the LEUSD, 17 other Riverside County School Districts are among the 188 listed as in peril. Among the districts are nearby Menifee Union, Murrieta Valley and Temecula Valley.


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