SACRAMENTO—A new report shows that the number of California school districts in financial jeopardy has been slashed by more than two-thirds over the past year, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced.

This year’s Second Interim Status Report, FY 2013-14 shows a total of 30 local educational agencies (LEAs) are either in negative or qualified financial status. This is down significantly from the last report—in March 2014—that showed 49 LEAs with this status. This is also down even more significantly from the same report a year ago. In the Second Interim Status report of 2013, there were 92 LEAs in financial jeopardy. See Table 1.

“A combination of factors over the past few years has given schools the tools they need to take control of their own future again,” Torlakson said. “Although we won’t be finished until every school is on stable ground, this is welcome news that school funding is moving in the right direction.”

Twice a year, the California Department of Education receives Notice of Interim Certifications on the financial status of the state’s 1,038 LEAs, comprising school districts, county offices of education, and joint powers agencies. The certifications are classified as positive, qualified, or negative.

via Fewer Districts in Financial Jeopardy – Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education).