FCMAT
El Monte Union High School District Report
organizational and staffing review
Read the report at El Monte Union High School District ↗
El Monte Union High School District
Organization/Staffing
Review
August 18, 2016
Joel D. Montero
Chief Executive Officer
August 18, 2016
Edward Zuniga, Acting Superintendent
El Monte Union High School District
3537 Johnson Avenue
El Monte, CA 91731
Dear Acting Superintendent Zuniga:
In January 2016, the El Monte Union High School District entered into an agreement with the Fiscal
Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) to review the district’s business office. Specifically,
the study agreement states that FCMAT will complete the following:
1. Conduct an organizational and staffing efficiency review of the following depart-
ments in the district’s Business Services Division:
a. Fiscal Services
b. Purchasing
2. Provide comparative staffing data for the Fiscal Services and Purchasing depart-
ments from three school districts of similar size and structure and make recom-
mendations for staffing improvements or reductions, if any. FCMAT will make
every effort to incorpora e comparable districts located in the same geographical
region and/or include comparable districts utilized in the collective bargaining
process; however, FCMAT may need to extend the borders of the search area for
comparable districts based on factors outside of its control such as lack of coopera-
tion from targeted comparable districts, etc.
3. Evaluate the workflow and distribution of functions in and between the Fiscal
Services and Purchasing departments to ensure that functions are properly
assigned, sufficient oversight is provided and make recommendations for improved
efficiency, if any.
During fieldwork on March 22, 23 and 24, 2016, the FCMAT study team visited the district office,
reviewed information and conducted interviews with staff. This report contains the study team’s find-
ings and recommendations.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and we extend thanks to all the staff of the El Monte
Union High School District for their cooperation and assistance during fieldwork.
Sincerely,
Joel D. Montero
Chief Executive Officer
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
About FCMAT ...................................................................iii
Introduction ........................................................................1
Executive Summary ...........................................................5
Findings and Recommendations .....................................5
Organizational Structure ............................................................................................5
Organizational Culture and Communication .........................................................7
Fiscal Services .................................................................................................................9
Purchasing and Warehouse ......................................................................................17
Staffing Comparison ..................................................................................................25
Appendices ....................................................................... 27
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ABOUT FCMAT
About FCMAT
FCMAT’s primary mission is to assist California’s local K-14 educational agencies to identify,
prevent, and resolve financial, human resources and data management challenges. FCMAT
provides fiscal and data management assistance, professional development training, product
development and other related school business and data services. FCMAT’s fiscal and manage-
ment assistance services are used not just to help avert fiscal crisis, but to promote sound financial
practices, support the training and development of chief business officials and help to create
efficient organizational operations. FCMAT’s data management services are used to help local
educational agencies (LEAs) meet state reporting responsibilities, improve data quality, and
inform instructional program decisions.
FCMAT may be requested to provide fiscal crisis or management assistance by a school district,
charter school, community college, county office of education, the state Superintendent of Public
Instruction, or the Legislature.
When a request or assignment is received, FCMAT assembles a study team that works closely
with the LEA to define the scope of work, conduct on-site fieldwork and provide a written report
with findings and recommendations to help resolve issues, overcome challenges and plan for the
future.
FCMAT has continued to make adjustments in the types of support provided based on the changing
dynamics of K-14 LEAs and the implementation of major educational reforms.
Studies by Fiscal Year
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15
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FCMAT also develops and provides numerous publications, software tools, workshops and
professional development opportunities to help LEAs operate more effectively and fulfill their fiscal
oversight and data management responsibilities. The California School Information Services (CSIS)
division of FCMAT assists the California Department of Education with the implementation of
the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS). CSIS also hosts and
maintains the Ed-Data website (www.ed-data.org) and provides technical expertise to the Ed-Data
partnership: the California Department of Education, EdSource and FCMAT.
FCMAT was created by Assembly Bill (AB) 1200 in 1992 to assist LEAs to meet and sustain their
financial obligations. AB 107 in 1997 charged FCMAT with responsibility for CSIS and its state-
wide data management work. AB 1115 in 1999 codified CSIS’ mission.
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ABOUT FCMAT
AB 1200 is also a statewide plan for county offices of education and school districts to work
together locally to improve fiscal procedures and accountability standards. AB 2756 (2004)
provides specific responsibilities to FCMAT with regard to districts that have received emergency
state loans.
In January 2006, Senate Bill 430 (charter schools) and AB 1366 (community colleges) became
law and expanded FCMAT’s services to those types of LEAs.
Since 1992, FCMAT has been engaged to perform more than 1,000 reviews for LEAs, including
school districts, county offices of education, charter schools and community colleges. The Kern
County Superintendent of Schools is the administrative agent for FCMAT. The team is led by
Joel D. Montero, Chief Executive Officer, with funding derived through appropriations in the
state budget and a modest fee schedule for charges to requesting agencies.
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INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Background
Located in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, the El Monte Union High School District was
established in 1901 and includes Arroyo, El Monte, Mountain View, Rosemead, South El Monte
and Fernando R. Ledesma high schools. The district also operates the El Monte‐Rosemead Adult
School, one of California’s largest adult programs.
The district employs 623 certificated employees and 625 classified employees, and the staff
provides educational programs for more than 9,000 students in grades 9 through 12 and 13,000
in adult education.
In January 2016, the district entered into an agreement with the Fiscal Crisis and Management
Assistance Team (FCMAT) to review the business office. FCMAT reviewed job descriptions for
all department positions; evaluated capacity, scheduling, efficiency and functions; and made
recommendations for staffing and operational improvements. All recommendations in this
report include estimated savings or costs for any proposed position reductions or additions. This
component also included interviews with district and school employees regarding the level of
service the department provides.
FCMAT evaluated the operational workflow of each function for the Fiscal Services, Purchasing
and Warehouse departments and made recommendations for improved efficiency and standard
industry practices.
Study Team
The study team was composed of the following members:
Eric D. Smith, MPA Guiselle Carreon*
FCMAT Fiscal Intervention Specialist Commercial Warrants and
Templeton, CA Accounts Payable Manager
San Diego County
Leonel Martínez Office of Education
FCMAT Technical Writer San Diego, CA
Bakersfied, CA
Michele Huntoon
Fiscal Services Consultant
Union City, CA
*As a member of this study team, this consultant was not representing her respective employers
but was working solely as an independent contractor for FCMAT. Each team member reviewed
the draft report to confirm its accuracy and to achieve consensus on the final recommendations.
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INTRODUCTION
Study and Report Guidelines
FCMAT visited the district on March 22, 23 and 24, 2016 to conduct interviews, collect
data and review documents. This report is the result of those activities and is divided into the
following sections:
I. Executive Summary
II. Organizational Structure
III. Organizational Culture and Communication
IV. Fiscal Services
V. Purchasing and Warehouse
VI. Staffing Comparison
VII. Appendices
In writing its reports, FCMAT uses the Associated Press Stylebook, a comprehensive guide to
usage and accepted style that emphasizes conciseness and clarity. In addition, this guide empha-
sizes plain language, discourages the use of jargon and capitalizes relatively few terms.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Executive Summary
FCMAT conducted an organizational and staffing study to provide the El Monte Union High
School District governing board and administration with an independent and external review of
its Fiscal Services and Purchasing departments. In doing so, FCMAT compared the department’s
staffing with that of similar districts and industry standards, using basic theories of organizational
structure, which include span of control, chain of command, and line and staff authority.
A chief business official who has been in the district for less than a year manages the Business
Services Division. The director of fiscal services position has an unreasonably large span of
control, and the accounting supervisor position does not supervise or evaluate employees. The
number of direct reports should be redistributed among the director of fiscal services and the
accounting supervisor, and the latter position should supervise and evaluate employees.
Communication between management and staff, staff in the various departments of the Business
Services Division, and the business office staff is unclear. Some staff are unprofessional when
communicating with fellow employees and operate in isolation without regard for what is in the
district’s best interest. The superintendent should take the lead in improving communication
throughout the district office. This effort could be initiated by holding a monthly district office-
wide staff meeting that would allow the superintendent to provide important information on
district developments. This meeting could be scheduled for the first of every month and held in
the boardroom to accommodate all district office staff.
Staff who are not from the community of El Monte and did not attend schools in the district
perceive the district’s organizational culture as closed to outsiders. They indicated insiders carry
more clout in the organization, making it difficult or impossible for outsiders to be heard. The
superintendent should take measures to ensure everyone is heard, and all employees are included.
The first step is holding employees accountable. The superintendent should set the tone of the
organization and provide staff with the resources necessary to perform their duties, including
training, direction and communication.
The district utilizes a financial software application [PeopleSoft (Oracle)] maintained and controlled
by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. PeopleSoft has established securities that limit the
district’s ability to efficiently utilize only one system for financial reporting purposes. The district
uses third-party software called Smarte Tools for reports in the district. Periodic uploads and down-
loads to and from Smarte Tools and PeopleSoft are used by staff for financial reporting.
The district uses a position control document that is generated electronically through Smarte
Tools; however, the document is automated only until preparation for cabinet approval. The data
is downloaded into Excel to prepare a report to the cabinet so it can review and approve positions
included on the position control document. Once the Excel spreadsheet is returned from cabinet
with approvals, personnel manually enter the data into HRS (a module within PeopleSoft). This
is a duplication of effort. The district should work with the county office to establish guidelines
that alleviate or eliminate the need to rely on a third-party software reporting application.
The district’s process for approving positions begins when administration for the school site or
district office initiates a personnel requisition that is forwarded to the Fiscal Services Department
for budget approval, then to other departments for a restricted funded position, and finally to the
cabinet before board approval. The positions or person(s) are often set up in HRS before board
approval. Staff has no authority to make payment until the board takes formal action; therefore, a
process should be established to ensure no hiring action is processed before board approval.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Communication should be improved between Purchasing and Accounts Payable. For example,
Purchasing enters notes on the purchase order screen, but no alert is sent to Accounts Payable
informing the department that a note has been submitted. Redundant processes should be elimi-
nated. For example, Accounts Payable cannot upload copies of the invoice to the system, leading
to unnecessary printing of backup and filing of paper documents.
The Accounts Payable Department lacks cross-training and a desk procedures manual. More than
one employee should be able to perform each job. Each staff member should be required to use
accrued vacation, during which time another staff member should be assigned to perform those
duties. Inadequate cross-training is often a problem regardless of the size of an organization.
The district has no process to monitor purchases to ensure bid limits are not exceeded. Purchases
by vendor are reviewed, but not by commodity. Sites are allowed to purchase office, instructional,
custodial and other supplies and equipment from multiple vendors without any determination
of whether cumulative purchases exceed the bid limit. The district should establish a process to
monitor usage throughout the district since bid limits are cumulative districtwide by category
of items. Use of valid piggyback contracts (i.e. those in which a district may purchase goods or
services using a competitive bid from another public agency) or periodic letting of competitive
bids for established categories would ensure district specifications are met in compliance with
bidding laws.
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Findings and Recommendations
Organizational Structure
A school district’s organizational structure should establish the framework for leadership and
the delegation of specific duties and responsibilities for all staff members. This structure should
be managed to maximize resources and reach identified goals and should adapt as the district’s
enrollment increases or declines. The district should be staffed according to generally accepted
theories of organizational structure and the standards used in other school agencies of similar size
and type. The most common theories of organizational structure are span of control, chain of
command, and line and staff authority.
Span of Control
Span of control refers to the number of subordinates reporting directly to a supervisor. While
there is no agreed-upon ideal number of subordinates for span of control, it is generally agreed
that the span can be larger at lower levels of an organization because subordinates at the lower
levels typically perform more routine duties, and therefore can be more effectively supervised,
according to “Principles of School Business Management” by Craig R. Wood, David C.
Thompson and Lawrence O. Picus.
Chain of Command
Chain of command refers to the flow of authority in an organization and is characterized by two
significant principles. Unity of command suggests that a subordinate is only accountable to one
supervisor, and the scalar principle suggests that authority and responsibility should flow in a
direct vertical line from top management to the lowest level. The result is a hierarchical division
of labor as described in “Principles of School Business Management.”
Line and Staff Authority
Line authority is the relationship between supervisors and subordinates and refers to the direct line
in the chain of command. For example, the chief business official has direct line authority over the
director of fiscal services, and the director of fiscal services has direct line authority over the Fiscal
Services Department staff. Conversely, staff authority is advisory in nature. Staff personnel do not
have the authority to make and implement decisions, but act in support roles to line personnel. The
organizational structure of local educational agencies contains both line and staff authority.
The purpose of any organizational structure is to help district management make key decisions to
facilitate student learning while balancing financial resources. The organizational design should
outline the management process and its specific links to the formal system of communication,
authority and responsibility needed to achieve the district’s goals and objectives.
At the El Monte Union High School District, the director of fiscal services’ span of control is too
broad. This position has an excessive number of direct reports, limiting her ability to effectively
supervise business office staff and support the chief business official. The accounting supervisor
position does not supervise or evaluate employees. The number of direct reports should be
redistributed among the director of fiscal services and the accounting supervisor. For example,
the director of fiscal services could supervise Fiscal Services staff who are responsible for budget,
position control and payroll, and the accounting supervisor could supervise Fiscal Services staff
who are responsible for attending accounting, accounts payable and accounts receivable. The
accounting supervisor should also supervise and evaluate employees.
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Purchasing Department is located in a separate building from the Accounts Payable
Department, impeding communication between the departments regarding the purchasing cycle.
The district should consider relocating the Purchasing Department to the district office.
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Redistribute the number of direct reports more equitably among the director
of fiscal services and accounting supervisor.
2. Ensure that the accounting supervisor supervises and evaluates business office
employees.
3. Consider relocating the Purchasing Department to the district office.
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ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
Organizational Culture and Communication
Organizational culture is broadly defined as a system of shared assumptions, values, and beliefs
that govern how people behave in school districts. These shared values strongly influence the
people in the organization and dictate how they dress, act, and perform their jobs. Every school
district possesses a unique culture. Organizational culture is generally not formal, but shaped by
the actions of leadership over time.
Staff who are not from the community of El Monte, and did not attend schools in the district
perceive the district’s organizational culture as closed to outsiders. They indicated insiders carry
more clout in the organization, making it difficult or impossible for outsiders to be heard. These
staff indicated that within the district’s organizational culture, people are either viewed as an
“insiders,” meaning they come from the El Monte community, or “outsiders” meaning they do not.
The superintendent should take measures to ensure that all employees are heard and included.
The first step is holding employees accountable for adhering to the procedures established by
the Fiscal Services Department. The superintendent should set the tone of the organization and
provide staff with the resources needed to perform their duties, including training, direction and
communication. Moreover, the superintendent should delegate authority through the chain of
command and give employees responsibility for outcomes under their control. The superinten-
dent should ensure management does not erode internal controls.
Effective communication is essential in providing a sense of stability and effective leadership.
Without open and regular communication, inaccurate information may circulate and be assumed
accurate. During interviews, many district staff members indicated the district office lacks
sufficient communication. The superintendent does not conduct monthly staff meetings, and
some district office departments have no meetings at all. Some departments do not participate in
cross-department meetings or receive information about decisions that affect them.
Communication between management and staff, staff in the various departments of the Business
Services Division, and staff of the business office is unclear. Some staff are unprofessional when
communicating with fellow employees, refuse to have face-to-face conversations, and operate in
isolation without regard for what is in the district’s best interest.
Although the face-to-face meeting is preferable, a consistent form of communication that lists
by department current and upcoming projects would be effective. This type of communication
would make it easier to plan for projects individually and by department to avoid delays in
completion time, payments, and meeting deadlines.
One important aspect of meetings is to ensure agendas are prepared in advance. To promote
collaboration, the draft agenda should be distributed a week ahead of time to request topics. This
timeline allows staff attending to be prepared to discuss the items that may be their responsibility.
The agenda should also relate in some manner to the district’s vision, mission, and goals state-
ments to emphasize their importance and demonstrate how district office work is directly related
to student learning and outcomes. Questions from staff can often be answered in the meetings,
which can also communicate critical information. This is also an efficient and effective way to
train new staff and build trust among leadership and staff.
The superintendent should take the lead in establishing better lines of communication
throughout the district office. This could start by holding a monthly district officewide staff
meeting to share important information. This meeting could be scheduled at the first of every
month and held in the boardroom to accommodate all district office staff.
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ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION
Department personnel that interact with each other daily should also meet as departments on a
monthly or bimonthly basis. These include the following departments:
• Payroll/Human Resources
• Purchasing/Accounts Payable
• Purchasing/Facilities
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Ensure the superintendent sets the tone of the organization, and provides
staff with the resources needed to perform their duties, including training,
direction and communication.
2. The superintendent should take measures to ensure that all employees are
heard and included. The first step is holding employees accountable.
3. Ensure authority is delegated through the chain of command and give
employees responsibility for outcomes under their control.
4. Ensure management does not erode internal controls, and employees are held
accountable for their actions.
5. Ask the superintendent to convene monthly all-district office staff meetings at
the district office.
6. Require personnel in departments that interact with each other daily to meet
as departments on a monthly or bimonthly basis to improve communication.
7. Prepare written agendas in advance of each meeting.
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FISCAL SERVICES
Fiscal Services
The district publicly provides its vision, mission, and goals clearly in a statement; however, it is
unclear that all staff understand these and how to apply them to their respective departments.
Strategic Planning
The district does not have strategic plan. Such a plan establishes priorities, drives momentum
and resources, supports operations, ensures those affected work toward common goals, promotes
agreement on outcomes/results, and drives adjustments to the organization, as necessary.
The district leadership has had significant turnover, and the resulting lack of stability has hampered
staff’s ability to work toward objectives. The superintendent establishes the district vision, and
weekly cabinet meetings could serve as an opportunity for the superintendent to establish guidelines
for a strategic plan memorializing the vision and mission statements. Change can often provide
opportunities for leadership to review policies and/or practices and make any necessary changes.
Recommendation
The district should:
1. Consider engaging in strategic planning. This process would ensure that those
affected work collectively toward common goals and agree on outcomes.
Employee Accountability
Staff indicated the business office lacks employee accountability. Staff members are sometimes
not held accountable when a problem affects other staff members and other departments. In
other instances, they are held accountable for duties and tasks that they may not be aware of
or that are not included in their job descriptions. In some cases, the duties were transferred to
another position or department without a change in the title or job description.
It is important for an organization to have clear roles, goals, and expectations. This includes
decreasing conflict through improved communication. Departments under Business Services
have several different locations, making communication even more important. Establishing roles,
goals, and expectations will allow for planning to curtail problems and frustrations before they
occur. The chief business official should periodically check in to make sure staff is functioning
efficiently and determine if additional assistance or support is necessary. This will also provide an
opportunity to determine workload and any necessary adjustments.
Establishing standards that are included in a business office handbook will help clarify expecta-
tions. This could be a Business Services Division project that is facilitated by one or two supervi-
sors with input from all staff. The project should include a plan, timeline, meeting schedule, and
efficient process for sharing the document(s) and material(s) (e.g., Google Docs).
Standards could be as specific as protocols for phone calls, response time for emails, and accept-
able behaviors for all district office departments. A reward/incentive program(s) can be developed
to recognize personnel with exemplary performance.
Because many district leaders are new to their positions and the district, El Monte Union has
an opportunity to make significant changes to its organizational culture. Establishing a culture
of service, responsibility, and accountability could begin by reviewing or establishing policies on
accountability and responsibilities, updating as necessary, and communicating them to department
personnel. Personnel standards will require training to support appropriate behavior and ethics.
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FISCAL SERVICES
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Clearly articulate the duties and responsibilities of each position in the Fiscal
Services Department.
2. Revise job descriptions to include the duties performed by business office staff
members that are not in their job descriptions.
3. Establish roles, goals and expectations for the entire Fiscal Services Department.
4. Assign the chief business official to periodically check in with business office
staff members to ensure they are functioning efficiently and determine if
additional assistance or support is necessary.
5. Establish a business office handbook to clarify expectations for the business
office staff.
6. Foster a culture of service, responsibility, and accountability. This could begin
with reviewing or establishing policies on accountability and responsibilities.
Position Control
The district’s process for approving positions begins with the initiation of a personnel requisition
by school site administration or district office administration to the Fiscal Services Department
for budget approval, then to other departments for restricted funded positions, and finally to
cabinet prior to board approval. The positions or a person(s) are often set up in the HRS system
before board approval. These instances occur for regular full-time, part-time, hourly, and extra-
hours positions. An HRS is a business process management software that is considered a fully
integrated system that allows the financial system to run in an automated manner with multiple
modules to process information. By entering information into the HRS at such an early stage,
the district risks inadvertently paying employees before they are board approved.
To align with the district’s goal of promoting fiscal responsibility to support student achievement,
roles should be clearly identified. The leadership has changed in multiple departments over a
short period of time, so staff has provided support between departments. Once the leadership
roles are filled, the newly hired staff should retain their departmental responsibilities to establish
themselves in the department and district.
During FCMAT’s fieldwork, an administrator from one department directed an employee in
another. This direction can often cause confusion and frustration among staff and mistakenly
convey that someone other than the designated leader for that department is in charge. It is
essential that the district practice unity of command ensuring that an employee is only account-
able to one supervisor.
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Establish a process requiring board approval before anyone, including a new
position, is activated in the HRS to eliminate the risk of payment to any
unapproved person. The staff has no authority to make payment until the
board takes formal action.
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FISCAL SERVICES
2. Clearly delineate the responsibilities between each of the departments to
provide a clear message to staff so there is a clear line of authority. The
decision of the business office on the responsibilities or direction to staff
related to work and coverage related to a vacancy should be the responsibility
of the affected department. However, if a question or concern arises related
to changes to job duties and/or job descriptions, the business office leaders
should consult with the Human Resources Department.
Organizational Alignment for Payroll and Personnel
The district transferred the benefits position from the Payroll to the Human Resources
Department to mirror the organization of other area school agencies at the time. No change was
made to the job description or the title when the position was transferred. As a result, the posi-
tion is still under a job description of payroll technician I, with the duties of a benefits person,
and reports to the assistant superintendent, human resources.
The district has two job descriptions for the payroll technician I and payroll technician II,
including the duties assigned to each of the job titles. The payroll technician II position has
duties listed in her job description related to paying classified employees, regional occupational
center/program (ROC/P) teachers, certificated substitutes, processing tax sheltered annuities
(TSAs) and workers’ compensation; however, staff interviews indicated that the position no
longer performs any of these duties. Those duties have been transferred to a position called the
benefits payroll clerk even though there is no authorized job description for that position. The
job description of payroll technician I includes processing payroll.
The district recently changed its third-party administrator for workers’ compensation, but the
amount of work necessary increased, which requires staff to spend additional time to perform
tasks previously handled by the former administrator.
The district should evaluate the job descriptions for the payroll technician I and II to determine
the duties of each position. If tasks have shifted from the payroll technician II to the payroll
technician I, the district should evaluate the need to realign the positions with the corresponding
duties. This would include returning duties to the payroll technician II as identified in that posi-
tion’s job description.
A second option would be to readjust the two payroll technician I positions to payroll technician
II positions to align with the duties in the appropriate job description. A third option is to hire
an additional Payroll Department position and reassign the duties related to ROC/P teachers,
certificated substitutes, TSAs, workers’ compensation and support for the two positions in Payroll
to the new position. If the district chooses this option, it should adjust the payroll technician II
position to payroll technician I position to align with the appropriate duties. This position would
perform the additional duties no longer conducted by the outside third-party administrator for
workers’ compensation. As part of this assessment, the district should consider that the benefits
payroll clerk performs her assigned duties without an authorized job description. This position
should be part of the review since the duties are directly affected by any changes for the Payroll
Department. The district should also include a reference to education and experience in the
payroll technician I position job description.
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FISCAL SERVICES
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Either transfer the payroll technician I position that handles benefits back
to the Payroll Department, or change the title and duties of the benefits
position. In addition, the district needs to adopt a job description for this
position if it remains in the Human Resources Department.
2. Implement one of the following three options.
• Evaluate the job descriptions for the payroll technician I and II positions to
determine who performs which functions and realign the positions with the
appropriate job duties.
• Reassess the two payroll technician I positions to align with the duties in the job
description for a payroll technician II.
• Hire an additional Payroll Department position and reassign the duties related to
ROC/P teachers, certificated substitutes, TSAs, workers’ compensation, and support
for the two Payroll positions to this new position.
Lack of Integrated Financial System
The district utilizes a financial software application [PeopleSoft (Oracle)] maintained and
controlled by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. PeopleSoft has established securities
that limit the district’s ability to efficiently utilize only one system for financial reporting. The
district uses third-party software called Smarte Tools for district reports. Periodic uploads and
downloads are made to and from Smarte Tools and PeopleSoft for reporting purposes. This has
also increased the workload of the staff and resulted in work duplication. In addition, it has
increased the managers’ risk of receiving outdated financial information, which leads to manage-
ment decisions based on inaccurate data.
PeopleSoft
District uses to enter:
• Journal Entries (JE) - JEs are imported to Smarte Tools weekly.
• Accounts Payable (AP) (Urgent Check) – AP is downloaded daily.
• Payroll Transfer (JE)
County securities do not allow for a budget transfer without prior board approval
Smarte Tools
Budget Transfer
Accounts Receivable Items imported to PeopleSoft
Accounts Payable after the board approves the
Purchase Requisitions interim report.
Budget Revisions
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FISCAL SERVICES
The transfer of the financial information from Smarte Tools to PeopleSoft occurs four times per
year after the statutory reporting periods and places the district in a vulnerable position because
it relies heavily on Smarte Tools. The timing and dates of the transfer are critical because of the
decisions management may make any time during the fiscal year. Most of the day-to-day work
is completed in Smarte Tools. The security limitation the county office places on the district has
resulted in its reliance on an outside software application to obtain reports in an efficient time-
line.
The accounts payable approval process can be accomplished multiple times before running the
batch. In Smarte Tools, the approval can be accomplished only once. Utilizing Smarte Tools to
approve accounts payable is restrictive given that fact.
To some degree, Excel can be used as the transferring application between the two systems
through an upload and download. This provides a transfer without human intervention, reducing
the risk of error. However, not all information can be transferred to the HRS system (position
control system) electronically without human intervention. The district uses a position control
document that is generated electronically through Smarte Tools; however, the document is auto-
mated only until preparation for cabinet approval. The data is downloaded into Excel to prepare
a report to the cabinet so it can review and approve positions included on the position control
document.
Once the Excel spreadsheet is returned from the cabinet with approvals, personnel manually
enter the data into HRS (a module in PeopleSoft). This is a duplication of effort. The district has
asked the county office when there may be an alternative to manual entry into HRS, but was told
it will not occur for seven years.
Once it is entered into HRS, the data can be downloaded into an Excel spreadsheet. Some
reports that are generated manually or tracked on separate worksheets could be generated from
the HRS system in a manner that would allow for sorting and analysis.
The import performed weekly from PeopleSoft to Smarte Tools takes approximately five minutes
to complete. The district could benefit from importing more frequently to ensure the most up-to-
date information is included in the reports generated from Smarte Tools.
The enterprise resource planning system used by the district and maintained by the county office
will clearly not be updated any time soon. The district should continue to work with the county
office to establish guidelines that help decrease or eliminate its reliance on a third-party software
reporting application.
A schedule should be posted so that all personnel who rely on the financial data transferred
between the two systems stay informed of the process and the potential impact if reports are
utilized outside of the timeframe of the transfer.
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Continue to download and upload reports between the two financial software
systems to eliminate human intervention and decrease the risk of data entry
error.
2. Import more frequently between the two financial software systems to ensure
that the most up-to-date information is included in the reports generated
from Smarte Tools.
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3. Work with the county office to establish guidelines that help decrease or
eliminate its reliance on a third-party software reporting application.
4. Ensure a schedule is posted so that all personnel who rely on the financial
data transferred between the two systems stay informed of the process and
the potential impact if reports are utilized outside of the timeframe of the
transfer.
Flex Time and Overtime Approval
During FCMAT fieldwork, some employees incurred overtime without the prior approval of
supervisors, which is against district policy. Overtime is a financial burden on the district that is
often not planned or incorporated into the budget. As a result, an overtime increase has a direct
and unplanned impact on the ending fund balance, which can affect instructional and nonin-
structional programs.
A review of overtime for the current fiscal year found that the Printing Department has incurred
a consistent increasing level between last fiscal year and this fiscal year. As of the end of March
2016, many personnel had exceeded or were close to exceeding last year’s overtime amounts. The
amount of district overtime incurred this year is approximately $5,000 more per month than last
year.
The Printing Department provides an opportunity for the district to enhance revenues by
offering printing services to outside organizations. The district should perform an analysis to
determine if entering into such an effort would be fiscally advantageous. This option could help
the print shop post a budget surplus instead of a deficit and meet the district’s goal of financial
solvency.
Some staff indicated other departments regularly incur overtime, but this could not be verified.
However, if overtime is incurred, it should not be held for payment until the end of the fiscal
year. California School Employee Association’s (CSEA) collective bargaining agreement with the
district, Article 19 states, “Authorized and Approved” as it relates to overtime hours. So overtime
hours should not be submitted late, particularly without prior approval.
The district offers flexible start and end times for its employees; however, this arrangement was
reportedly not negotiated with the local classified bargaining unit. Instead, the practice evolved
over time to meet the needs of specific employees.
During fieldwork, some personnel began their day as early at 6:30 a.m., and spent the first 60 to
90 minutes unsupervised. The option of starting early, particularly in the Los Angeles area due to
traffic volume and commute time, demonstrates district support for its personnel. However, it is
important to consider the impact on customers, including other district employees. If personnel
coverage is insufficient to serve customers coming to the district office, the district’s mission and
goals cannot be met. Staff interviews identified several occasions when personnel and community
members were not served because of the early schedule and the lack of an available employee to
address their needs.
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Recommendations
The district should:
1. Communicate a clear message to employees related to the CSEA’s collective
bargaining agreement, Article 19, regarding overtime hours.
2. Assess the workload in the Printing Department to determine the changes
from last year. Once these are identified, the district should determine if the
costs are one-time or ongoing. This information can be used as the analysis
for staffing needs in that department.
3. Perform an analysis to determine if the Printing Department could enhance
revenues by offering printing services to outside organizations. This option
could help the print shop post a budget surplus instead of a deficit and meet
the district’s goal of financial solvency.
4. Re-evaluate its employee start and end times to determine if they meet
the needs of school site personnel and the community. If early start times
continue, a supervisor should be on site.
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Purchasing and Warehouse
Accounts Payable (Nonconstruction)
Invoice turnaround time is hindered by communication and process issues. The district should
develop written procedures and guidelines to include timelines for processing invoices. Two areas
that should be addressed are the invoice processing cycle and the lack of an escalation process.
For example, if a particular invoice is delayed because of processing issues, it is set aside until it
cycles up again in approximately two-week intervals. This may delay processing for 30 days or
longer. Moreover, the district has no escalation process to handle problematic invoices, creating
additional payment delays. The best practice is to assign the Accounts Payable staff to track
backup documentation and obtain signatures when lack of them is preventing processing of
payments.
The district should develop an escalation process to move a task to a higher level of authority in
the organization. This process would handle invoices with processing issues, relieving Accounts
Payable account clerks from the responsibility of enforcing policy and procedures or noting viola-
tions beyond basic inquiries. The following is an illustration of a standard escalation process:
• Day 1 (Monday): 1st Notice Account Clerk
• Day 4 (Thursday): 2nd Notice Account Clerk
• Day 7 (Tuesday): Final Notice Accounting Supervisor/Director of Fiscal
Services
The district’s use of electronic systems is inefficient. Documents are uploaded digitally, printed
and filed in Purchasing, then printed and filed in Accounts Payable. Purchase orders are still
printed in five copies. Receiving paperwork is filled out in duplicate and sometimes triplicate.
Receiving is performed using a hard copy for each purchase order. Purchasing staff scans
and sends the document to the sites, and warehouse makes copies for each site for signature.
Warehouse staff sends a signed copy to the site, resends another copy if a partial order was deliv-
ered and additional deliveries are made, and provides a packing list showing receiving data.
This redundancy occurs only when an order is being delivered directly to the site. Rather than
notifying Purchasing or Warehouse, the site only notifies Accounts Payable that an order was
received by way of the signed invoice. Accounts Payable does not notify Purchasing or Warehouse
of the site delivery; therefore, the purchase order remains open, and Purchasing only learns of
the delivery when it contacts the vendor to request a delivery status. Not knowing that Accounts
Payable has already paid the invoice, closing the Purchase Order, Purchasing is only made aware
of the delivery and payment after the fact, thus the duplicate or triplicate documentation process.
Communication between Purchasing and Accounts Payable should be improved. For example,
Purchasing enters notes on the purchase-order screen, but no alert is sent to Accounts Payable to
inform that department that a note was submitted. Accounts Payable cannot upload copies of
invoices to the system, leading to unnecessary printing of backup and filing of paper documents.
Communication between Accounts Payable and Purchasing is strained. Management directed
staff to soften its written communication, but no follow-up has been provided.
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Recommendations
The district should:
1. Retrain staff on the system features to reduce the use of paper copies. This
retraining should focus on the accessibility of systems information. For
example, Accounts Payable staff should be able to view purchase order
information and backup online instead of printing, scanning and emailing
purchase orders and documentation.
2. Include alert for notes added to purchase orders or establish procedures that
allow Accounts Payable staff to review every purchase order screen for notes
(the latter may cause significant processing delays).
3. Investigate the possibility of scanning invoices to the system to reduce paper
documentation and filing time. If all documentation becomes available in the
system, lost paperwork should be less likely.
4. Provide training in communication skills, specifically on how to write a
memo/email using a positive and collaborative tone.
Expediting
Expediting is a concept in purchasing and project management for securing the quality and
timely delivery of goods and components. Either Purchasing or Accounts Payable can perform
expediting. In the district’s case, it is performed by both because of the lack of communication
and collaboration between the departments, resulting in a duplication of effort and inefficient use
of time.
Expediting includes follow-up, which is a district effort to ensure the vendor meets the delivery
timeline on the contract or purchase order. By practicing follow-up, the district places vendors
on notice that orders are monitored. This usually ensures prompt delivery or notification from a
vendor when delivery delays are anticipated. Follow-up also prevents unnecessary purchase order
cancellations because of communication problems between the vendor and the district.
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Review the division of duties between the Accounts Payable and ‘ depart-
ments, and assign specific responsibilities to eliminate duplication of effort.
2. Establish monthly (or more frequent) meetings with Accounts Payable
and Purchasing to promote communication, discuss issues, and plan
and coordinate processes.
CAL-Card and Travel and Conference
The district has a limited number of CAL-Card purchase cards in circulation, but has no written
policies to provide audit guidance to Accounts Payable. As a result, it lacks accountability
measures for the use of CAL-Cards, and there are no consequences when users fail to submit
statements in a timely fashion.
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The district should implement purchasing card procedures outlining allowable and unallowable
uses for the CAL-Cards. The district should develop a CAL-Card manual such as the one
attached as Appendix A to this report. The manual should include language on the consequences
for personal use of card, failure to submit receipts, and failure to submit statements in the
allotted time.
The district has a travel and conference manual that explains the procedures for attending confer-
ences, making hotel reservations, logging mileage and obtaining meal reimbursement, but the
provisions are not followed. The district should review travel and conference procedures annually.
A reminder memo/email should be sent to all staff members at the beginning of the year or annual
training should be provided to ensure they comply and that new staff is trained on district policy.
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Develop a CAL-Card manual to provide audit guidance to Accounts Payable
and institute accountability measures when CAL-Card procedures are not
followed.
2. Provide annual training on the district’s travel and conference manual and
institute accountability measures if travel and conference procedures are not
followed.
Cross-Training and Desk Manuals
The Accounts Payable Department lacks cross-training and a desk procedures manual. More than
one employee should be able to perform each job in the department. Each staff member should
be required to use accrued vacation time, during which another staff member is assigned to
perform those duties. Inadequate cross-training is often a problem regardless of an organization’s
size.
Staff turnover demonstrates the need to document business processes and procedures and cross-
train staff. At least one additional employee should be trained for each position so he or she can
temporarily perform critical duties in the event of illness, vacation or resignation. This will allow
the district to continue essential business office functions without interruption.
The Accounts Payable staff lacks desk manuals with include step-by-step procedures for busi-
ness-related job duties and should make every effort to ensure these are developed. Desk manuals
help ensure consistent application of internal controls and designate each position’s internal
control responsibilities.
Similarly, desk manuals provide an opportunity to plan and diagram internal controls and
written standards for the business office, school sites and other district departments. Desk
manuals are especially helpful for new staff in providing training, helping preserve institutional
knowledge, and documenting and monitoring segregation of duties districtwide. These manuals
should be developed and made available to the district office, school sites and other district
departments to assist with processes and standards regarding accounts payable transactions and
best practices.
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Recommendations
The district should:
1. Implement cross-training in all departments to allow the district to continue
essential business office functions without interruption.
2. Establish desk procedures manuals for each position to ensure all duties are
performed when an absence or vacancy occurs.
Purchasing Procedures
Purchasing procedures are well documented in the Purchasing Manual, but are routinely ignored.
Further, management generally approves purchases that violate procedures without consequences,
undermining the director of purchasing’s ability to enforce good business practices. Confirming
purchase orders (meaning the purchase order is issued after services are rendered or goods
received) are commonplace, and neither the requester nor the vendor are held accountable
for ordering without a hard copy purchase order or for accepting a phone order. The district
should re-educate staff on established policy for Purchasing and implement accountability for
circumventing acceptable practices. The district should also follow up with a letter to the vendor
outlining district policy and noting the district has no legal liability for orders placed outside the
allowable procedures.
The district has no process for monitoring purchases to prevent bid limits from being exceeded.
Purchases by vendor are reviewed, but not by commodity. Sites are allowed to purchase office,
instructional, custodial and other supplies and equipment from multiple vendors without
reviewing to determine whether cumulative purchases exceed the bid limit. The district should
establish a process to monitor usage throughout the district since bid limits are cumulative
districtwide by category of items. Use of valid piggyback contracts or periodic letting of competi-
tive bids for established categories would ensure district specifications are met in compliance with
bidding laws (this responsibility is currently unassigned because of the vacancy in the director of
purchasing position).
Bid documents for construction are not current. For example, FCMAT noted during fieldwork
that the “Notice to Bidders in the Low Voltage Bid EMUHSD ERATE 2015-16 (P3)” does not
include statutory language for Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) registration or require-
ment for prevailing wages. Bid documents called for a noncollusion affidavit; however, the form
was replaced by the noncollusion declaration in 2012. Various certifications are not listed, but are
required by law. The district should review all forms of contracts periodically to ensure legal code
changes are implemented, preferably by legal counsel.
The purchase order approval process is redundant. Sites/departments enter the requisition and
it is routed through program approvals; to the director of purchasing; to the buyer for selection
of vendor, pricing verification, and printing; and back to the director for approval. The director
of purchasing approves all requisitions, once manually and again online, regardless of dollar
amount. However, the buyers can still make changes to requisitions after approval by the director.
This constitutes an internal control weakness since management should have final approval on all
requisitions.
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Recommendations
The district should:
1. Re-educate staff on the established policy for purchasing, and implement
accountability measures for circumventing acceptable practices.
2. Send follow-up letters to vendors outlining district policy and indicating the
district has no legal liability for orders placed outside the allowable proce-
dures.
3. Institute a process to monitor purchases, including by commodity, to ensure
bid limits are not exceeded.
4. Utilize valid piggyback contracts or periodic letting of competitive bids for
established categories to ensure district specifications are met in compliance
with bidding laws.
5. Periodically review all forms of contracts to ensure legal code changes are
implemented, preferably by legal counsel.
6. Review the purchase requisition routing process to streamline approvals and
improve turnaround or processing of purchase orders.
7. Consider establishing a minimum amount for approval of purchases by the
director of purchasing or use of object code routing (objects codes greater
than 5000) to increase the position’s efficiency.
8. Consider using a wet-ink signature only when purchases orders are issued for
contracts, capital purchases, or purchase orders exceeding a set limit.
9. Purchasing should only be allowed to make changes up to the change order
limit on requisitions or purchase orders. Anything exceeding 10% should
reroute through workflow for approval.
Independent Contractor Versus Employees
The Purchasing Department lacks knowledge of regulations concerning independent contractor
as distinguished from those for employee regulations. As a result, long-term independent
contractors have been provided with office space, use of equipment, materials, etc. in violation of
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations. Independent contractors have been hired for interim
positions that should have been classified as employees.
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Provide training to Purchasing staff on independent contractor vs. employee
differences.
2. Implement a process to review independent contractor agreements before a
contract is signed. (A sample determination sheet is attached as Appendix B
to this report.)
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Delegation of Authority, Cross-Training and Desk Manuals
The Purchasing Department lacks knowledge concerning delegation of authority. Authority
to enter into purchases on behalf of the district must be board-approved. The district should
disseminate information regarding delegation of authority to all sites and departments to avoid
placing an unauthorized signature on agreements, resulting in unenforceable contracts. The
district should consider delegation of authority by position instead of name to allow for conti-
nuity of operations when personnel move in and out of positions.
The department lacks cross-training and a desk procedures manual. More than one employee
should be able to perform each job in the department. Each staff member should be required
to use accrued vacation time, during which another staff member is assigned to perform those
duties. Inadequate cross-training is often a problem regardless of the size of an organization.
Staff turnover demonstrates the need to document business processes and procedures and to
cross-train staff. At least one additional employee should be trained for each position so he or she
can temporarily perform critical duties in the event of illness, vacation or resignation. This will
allow the district to continue essential business office functions without interruption.
Purchasing staff lack desk manuals that include step-by-step procedures for business-related job
duties and should make every effort to ensure these are developed. Desk manuals help ensure
consistent application of internal controls and designate each position’s internal control responsi-
bilities.
Similarly, desk manuals provide an opportunity to plan and diagram internal controls and
written standards for the business office, school sites and other district departments. Desk
manuals are especially helpful for new staff. They can provide training, help preserve institutional
knowledge, and document and monitor segregation of duties districtwide.
The districts business procedures manual should be maintained and made available to the district
office, school sites and other district departments to serve as a guide to the district’s business
processes in purchasing, contracting, and accounts payable.
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Disseminate information on delegation of authority to all sites and depart-
ments to avoid placing an unauthorized signature on agreements, resulting in
unenforceable contracts.
2. Consider delegation of authority by position instead of name to allow for
continuity of operations when personnel move in and out of positions.
3. Implement cross-training in all departments to allow the district to continue
essential business office functions without interruption.
4. Establish desk procedures manuals for each position to ensure all duties are
performed when an absence or vacancy occurs.
5. Maintain a business processes manual that references the district’s purchasing,
contracting, and accounts payable policies including signatory authority,
deadlines, conflict of interest, and other pertinent topics.
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Competitive Bidding/Public Works
The district opted into the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act in
August, 2016, but has failed to implement proper procedures under the Act. The district neither
maintained a registered contractor list nor notified trade papers that it was an Act district. The
district must use one or both methods to comply with the law. The district also did not adopt the
informal bidding policy through revision of the administrative regulation (ordinance) as required
by the act.
The district’s administrative regulation allows for a protest period that ends five days after
award. This is problematic and could lead to litigation. Awarding work to only a few “preferred”
contractors may result in a perceived conflict of interest. Staff lack understanding of the proper
implementation of the quoting, informal, and formal bidding process. The district has also not
adopted emergency procedures under the act and does not follow the requirements.
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Establish and publish a list of contractors to fulfill the requirement of the Act
and revise the protest period to five days after opening of the bid. (A sample
administrative regulation is attached as Appendix C to this report.))
2. Prepare written procedures and train all staff that handle quotations, informal
bids, and formal bids. (Sample procedures are attached as Appendix C to this
report.)
3. Consider moving informal and formal bidding to the Purchasing Department
to eliminate any appearance of conflict of interest and preferential treatment
of specific contractors.
4. Submit emergency procedures to the board for adoption as soon as possible.
(A sample resolution is attached as Appendix D to this report.)
Custodial Supplies and Civic Center Act
The district’s deferred maintenance plan is not current, making it difficult to schedule bids for
seasonal and summer work. The district should establish a project priority list (formerly called a
deferred maintenance plan) to maximize opportunities for public works projects. Sites prepare
requisitions for custodial supplies on paper and send them to the Maintenance Department
clerk, who re-enters them into the system, resulting in a duplication of work. The clerk in the
Maintenance Department spends roughly half her time entering these requisitions. The district
should train sites to enter Stores orders into the system to be verified and approved by the
facilities, maintenance, operations, and transportation coordinator, freeing up the clerk from that
department to complete her other duties more efficiently and reducing the need for overtime.
The district should also consider decentralizing the custodial budget to make sites accountable for
the quantities they order.
Compliance with the Civic Center Act is not enforced. Sites are permitted to waive fees without
consideration of legal requirements to charge for all functions that collect fees. Sites waive
insurance requirements without consulting with the facilities, maintenance, operations, and
transportation coordinator clerk. The Use of Facilities contract is lacking or submitted after the
fact. The district should retrain staff on use of facilities procedures and establish a fee schedule for
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all types of uses. (A sample schedule is attached to Appendix E to this report.) The district office
management should review all fee waiver requests to avoid the appearance of favoritism or gift of
public funds.
Recommendations
The district should:
1. Establish a project priority list (formerly called a deferred maintenance plan)
to maximize opportunities for public works projects.
2. Train sites to enter Stores orders into the system to be verified and approved
by the facilities, maintenance, operations, and transportation coordinator,
freeing up the clerk from that department to complete her other duties more
efficiently and reduce the need for overtime.
3. Consider decentralizing the custodial budget to make sites accountable for
the quantities they order.
4. Retrain staff on use of facilities procedures and establish a fee schedule for all
types of uses.
5. Require management to review all fee waiver requests to avoid the appearance
of favoritism or gift of public funds.
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STAFFING COMPARISONS
Staffing Comparison
Data for a comparison of the district’s business office staffing was obtained from three California
unified school districts with student enrollment similar to that of the El Monte Union High
School District. FCMAT chose a list of comparable districts using information provided by the
Ed-Data website (www.ed-data.k12.ca.us) for the most recent fiscal year available (2013-14)
and the comparison districts themselves. The comparison districts surveyed were the Escondido,
Perris and Merced union high school districts.
The comparison of organization and staffing should be viewed as a guideline for appropriate
staffing levels rather than in absolute terms because California school districts are complex
systems that vary widely in demographics, resources, climate, and organization. For example, this
report considers organization and staffing in high school districts that share certain functionalities
to various extents, but this comparison also will vary significantly because of the relatively small
number of large high school districts in the state. Determining staffing needs based on one or
two criteria can be misleading if significant circumstances are not considered. Therefore, compar-
ative data should be used with the formulas provided in this report to determine the staffing
levels appropriate for the district’s unique characteristics.
In comparing districts, FCMAT took into account the following:
• The grade level configuration (high school district)
• The enrollment of the district
• The percentage of English-language learners
• The percentage of students who are eligible for free and reduced price meals
• The percentage of minority students
• The largest ethnic group represented
County Name District Name Enrollment Students
% English % Free or
% Minority Largest Ethnic Group
Learners Reduced Meals
San Diego Escondido Union High 9,303 15.1% 59.7% 69.3% Hispanic or Latino
Riverside Perris Union High 10,435 17.5 71.2 83.3 Hispanic or Latino
Los Angeles El Monte Union High 9,573 21.6% 90.2% 98.4% Hispanic or Latino
Merced Merced Union High 9,964 9.2% 77.7% 81.7% Hispanic or Latino
The following tables show the business office staffing for the district and each of the comparison
districts:
District Name Management Accounting Payroll Purchasing*
Director of Fiscal Services
Director of Purchasing
El Monte Union High Accounting Supervisor 8 2 2
Director of Fiscal Services
Perris Union High Director of Purchasing 5 3 3
Director of Finance
Escondido Union High Director of Purchasing 5 2 3
Director of Fiscal Services
Purchasing Manager
Merced Union High Budget Analyst 5 2 1
*Does not include warehouse or printing
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STAFFING COMPARISONS
Each comparison district surveyed employed a director of fiscal services and a director of
purchasing or purchasing manager, but only El Monte Union had an accounting supervisor.
However, the Merced Union High School District had a budget analyst, which is classified as a
management position.
El Monte Union had the highest number of accounting staff among the comparison districts, but
also was second-lowest in purchasing staff. The number of payroll staff was consistent among all
four districts, with the exception of Perris Union, which is slightly larger in enrollment.
Based on the comparative staffing data, the district appears to be adequately staffed in the busi-
ness office. However, the district should continue to monitor staffing levels based on changes in
enrollment, educational programs and the availability of capital facilities funding.
Recommendation
The district should:
1. Monitor business office staffing levels based on changes in enrollment, educa-
tional programs and the availability of capital facilities funding.
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APPENDDRICAEFST
Appendices
A. Sample CAL-Card Manual
B. Sample Contractor Determination Sheet
C. Sample Administrative Regulations
D. Sample Emergency Resolution
E. Sample Facility Use Fee Schedule
F. Study Agreement
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Appendix A: Sample CAL-Card Manual
CREDIT /
PROCUREMENT
CARDS
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SERVICE AND
LEADERSHIP
GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
PURCHASING CARD PROGRAM
CARDHOLDER MANUAL
OF
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Ken Leighton
Fiscal ServicesExecutive Director Fiscal Services
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome 4
Program Overview 5
Benefits 5
Cardholder Manual of Policies and Procedures 5
Purchasing Card Policies 6
1.0 Purpose 6
2.0 Introduction 6
3.0 Definitions 6
4.0 Receiving the Purchasing Card 7
5.0 Authorized Card Use 7
6.0 Unauthorized and/or Inappropriate Card Use 8
7.0 Making a Purchase with the Purchasing Card 8
8.0 Merchandise Returns and Exchanges 8
9.0 Record Retention 9
10.0 Cardholder Verification of Charges 9
11.0 Cardholder Charge Dispute Resolution 10
12.0 Department Head Verification of Cardholder Charges 10
13.0 Transaction Reallocation 10
14.0 Purchasing Card Security 10
15.0 Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Purchasing Cards 11
16.0 Cardholder Account Maintenance 11
17.0 Cardholder Transfer within the Grossmont Union High School District 11
18.0 Cardholder Separation from the Grossmont Union High School District 11
19.0 Purchasing Card Cancellation 11
Purchasing Card Procedures 12
1.0 How is a purchasing card obtained? 12
2.0 Once a cardholder receives their card is it immediately ready for use? 12
3.0 How are the dollar amounts and activity controls set? 12
4.0 How can the control limits be changed? 12
5.0 For whom cana cardholder make purchases? 13
6.0 What can be purchased with the purchasing card? 13
7.0 How do I make purchases by phone, fax or Internet? 13
8.0 Is personal use ofthe purchasing card allowed? 13
9.0 Can the card be shared? 13
10.0 Which suppliers may I use? 13
11.0 What if the supplier does not accept purchasing cards? 13
12.0 What are the guidelines for sales tax? 14
13.0 What are the delivery instructions? 14
14.0 What is the required receipt documentation? 14
15.0 What if a receipt is not available? 14
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16.0 What if a receipt is lost? 14
17.0 What if the card is lost or stolen? 14
18.0 What if the cardholder leaves the Districtor changes to another department? 14
19.0 How are charges paid for? 15
20.0 What if there is an incorrect billing? 15
21.0 How are purchases returned? 15
22.0 Will using a purchasing card affect personal credit? 16
23.0 What if I do not use the card? 16
24.0 What transactions are not authorized? 16
25.0 What would cause a card to be revoked? 16
26.0 What are the most common exceptionsexperienced by a cardholder? 16
27.0 What actions will be taken if a card is subject to revocation? 17
28.0 What are my Supervisor's Responsibilities? 17
29.0 Who should I call if I have questions or experience problems? 17
Acknowledgement Form 18
Appendix 19
Cardholder ApplicationForm--Form PC-01 A
Cardholder Change Form --Form PC-02 B
Purchasing Card Cardholder Agreement --Form PC-03 C
Monthly Purchasing Card Log --Form PC-04 D
Purchasing Card Missing Receipt Form --Form PC-05 E
Cardholder Dispute Form --Form PC-06 F
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WELCOME
The Grossmont Union High School District in association with
Commerce Bank and VISA is delighted to offer employees a purchasing
program that simplifies the way you may buy goods and services.
The Purchasing Card Program is a fast, flexible alternative for
purchasing low dollar value items from suppliers that accept Visa Credit
Cards.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Procurement Card Program (aka P-Card) has been established by the Grossmont Union
High School District (District) to facilitate the purchase of certain small dollar value items by
selected permanent employees (Cardholders) of the District.
A District VISA Card will be issued in the name of the Cardholder after the Cardholder has
signed the required District agreement form and the issuance of an authorized P-Card to that
employee. The P-Card is to be used exclusively by the Cardholder to make authorized
purchases at commercial business establishments. The P-Card shall never be used to
purchase personal items. The P-Card shall never be loaned to or used by anyone other than the
Cardholder whose name appears on the face of the P-Card.
Benefits
The purchasing card concept is designed to delegate the authority, responsibility and capability
to make small dollar value purchases directly to the person to whom it most matters –YOU, the
enduser.
Cardholders can obtain goods in a quick and convenient way within the system’s controls.
Speed in obtaining supplies will promote better service. The amount of paperwork involved with
processing purchases will be sharply reduced for the user’s department and Fiscal Services.
Cardholder Manual of Policies and Procedures
This Manual of Policies and Procedures has been developed to provide you, the Cardholder,
with information regarding the benefits of P-Cards, the responsibilities that come with the
issuance of a P-Card, and the rules that must be followed by the Cardholder. Each Cardholder
is required to read and agree to follow the policies and procedures contained in this entire
document. Once you have read and understand the Cardholder Manual of Policies and
Procedures, sign the certification at the end of the document and return the certification to the
P-Card Program Administratorin Fiscal Services. Keep the Manual for future reference.
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PURCHASING CARD POLICIES
1.0 PURPOSE:
The purpose of this Policies and Procedures Manual is to set forth the Policies and
Procedures for the Grossmont Union High School DistrictPurchasing Card Program.
2.0 INTRODUCTION:
The Grossmont Union High School DistrictPurchasing Card Program has been established
to provide aconvenient means with which to make small dollar value purchases and reduce
the costs associated with initiating and paying for those purchases. Fiscal Services is
responsible for managing the Program and each department is responsible for managing its
Cardholder accounts. Two areas of responsibility have been defined within each
department to assist in this management effort. They are the Cardholder and the
Department Head. It is important to understand that these areas of responsibility do not
necessarily equate to two separate individuals within the department. It is permissible for
one individual to be assigned one or more of these responsibilities as defined in these
Policies and Procedures. The ultimate decision as to how each of these responsibilities is
assigned will be made within each department.
3.0 DEFINITIONS:
3.1 Purchasing Card(P-Card):AVISA Cardissued to an employee of the District for
the purpose of making authorized purchases on the District’s behalf. The District will
issue payment for authorized charges made with the Purchasing Card.
3.2 Cardholder: A Grossmont Union High School District employee whose name
appears on the Purchasing Card and who is accountable for all charges made with
that card.
3.3 Department Head: Grossmont Union High School Districtemployee(s) within each
department responsible for verifying that all charges against the Cardholder's account
are authorized and approved, and that the documentation for each Cardholder is
forwarded to Fiscal Services on a monthly basis. Department Heads have the ability
to allocate individual charges to multiple account numbers. A Department Head may
oversee more than one Cardholder account depending on how the department elects
to manage its accounts. A department may have more than one Department Head.
3.4 Program Administrator: Fiscal Services is responsible for administering the
Purchasing Card Program and is the main contact for the Grossmont Union High
School District.
3.5 Transaction / Spending Limit: A dollar limitation of purchasing authority assigned
to the Cardholder for each total charge made with the Purchasing Card. This amount
must not exceed the predetermined spending limit. Limits are established on a per
Cardholder basis. A single transaction/charge may include multiple items but cannot
exceed the predetermined spending limit.
3.6 Monthly Spending Limit: A dollar limitation of purchasing authority assigned to
the Cardholder for the total of all charges made during each monthly billing cycle.
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3.7 Monthly Statement: A listing of all transactions charged to the Cardholder's card
account up to the end of the monthly billing cycle. Monthly Statements are available
online through ControlPay at https://www.controlpayadvanced.com.
3.8 Default General Ledger Account: The Grossmont Union High School District
account code assigned to each cardholder.
3.9 Support Documentation: A merchant produced or non-Grossmont Union High
School District document that records the relevant details for each item purchased
including quantities, amounts, a description of what was purchased, the total charge
amount and the merchant's name and address (e.g. sales receipt, original invoice,
packing slip, credit receipt, etc.).
4.0 RECEIVING THE PURCHASING CARD:
4.1 Acomplete Cardholder ApplicationForm(Form PC-01) must be submitted for each
prospective Cardholder. The Department Head must select the purchasing controls,
sign the form and then forward it to the Program Administratorin Fiscal Services.
4.2 All prospective Cardholders must read and understand the Cardholder Policies and
Procedures, agree to follow the Cardholder Policies and Procedures, attend a training
session and sign a Cardholder Agreement prior to receiving a Purchasing Card.
4.3 In order to provide a measure of security, the purchasing card requires activation.
When the card is received; a sticker prompts the Cardholder to activate the
purchasing card. Once activated, the purchasing card is ready for use. Activation is
required only once for each purchasing card issued.
5.0 AUTHORIZED CARD USE:
5.1 Cardholders are authorized to use the Purchasing Card to purchase merchandise
required as a function of their duties at the Grossmont Union High School District.
5.2 Unauthorizedpurchases usingthe Purchasing Card includethefollowing:
Alcohol Furniture & Equipment Personal Items
Capital Outlay Insurance Postage Services
Cash Advances Maintenance Contracts Stamps
Consultants/Performance Agreements Medications Subscriptions
Cell Phones Memberships
Contracted services Pagers
In addition, the following are unauthorized:
Items for personal use
Items prohibited by law or District Policy
Non-Grossmont Union High School District Purposes
5.3 Only the Cardholder whose name is embossed on the Purchasing Card is authorized
touse the card. The Cardholder is responsible for ensuring that all charges made with
the card are in compliance with these Policies and Procedures as well as all
Grossmont Union High School DistrictPolicies and Procedures.
5.4 The total value of any one charge made with the Purchasing Card may not exceed the
single transaction limit stipulated on the Cardholder's ApplicationForm.
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6.0 UNAUTHORIZED AND/OR INAPPROPRIATE CARD USE:
6.1 The Purchasing Card must never be used to purchase items for personal use or
for non-Grossmont Union High School Districtpurposes even if the Cardholder
intends to reimburse the Grossmont Union High School District.
6.2 A Cardholder who makes an unauthorized purchase with the Purchasing Card, as
defined in Section 5.0 and 6.0 or uses the Purchasing Card in an inappropriate
manner will be subject to disciplinary action including possible card cancellation.
6.3 Failure to comply with the requirements of this Cardholder Manual and Grossmont
Union High School District policies and procedures may result in immediate
revocation of procurement card privileges. This includes, butis not limited to, any of
the following:
♦ Splitting of charges to avoid the single purchase dollar limit.
♦ Loaning the card to another employee or person.
♦ Using the P-Card for personal use.
♦ Allowing purchases to be signed for by anyone other than the cardholder.
♦ Failure to submit receipts for charges.
♦ Submitting the monthly cardholder statement to Fiscal Servicesmore than7days
after the monthly statement date.
♦ Fails to attach receipts that match the item descriptions or dollar amounts listed
on the monthly statement of account.
7.0 MAKING A PURCHASE WITH THE PURCHASING CARD:
7.1 Confirm that the selected merchant accepts VISA Card. If not, choose another
merchant. In either case, inform the Program Administrator, via the Department
Head, about the fact that the original merchant did not accept VISA Card.
7.2 When making purchases, the Cardholder must sign the charge receipt and retain the
customer copy. The Cardholder should verify that either the charge receipt or sales
receipt complies with the requirements for support documentation set forth in
Section 3.0 (paragraph 3.9).
8.0 MERCHANDISE RETURNS AND EXCHANGES:
8.1 The Cardholder is responsible for contacting the merchant when merchandise
purchased with the Purchasing Card is not acceptable (incorrect, damaged,
defective, etc.) and arranging a return for credit or an exchange.
8.2 If merchandise is returned for credit, the Cardholder is responsible for obtaining a
credit receipt from the merchant and retaining that receipt with the support
documentation for that purchase. Receiving cash or checks to resolve a credit is
prohibited!
8.3 If merchandise is to be exchanged, the Cardholder is responsible for returning the
merchandise to the merchant and obtaining a replacement as soon as possible.
Documentation showing the proper resolution of the exchange is to be retained with
the support documentation for that purchase.
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9.0 RECORD RETENTION:
9.1 Cardholder Responsibility: The Cardholder is responsible for obtaining purchase
documentation from the merchant (sales receipt, packing slip, etc.) to support all
purchases made with the Purchasing Card and verifying that the documentation
complies with the requirements for support documentation set forth in Section 3.0
(paragraph 3.9). If the receipts are unavailable, the cardholder must submit a
written explanation describing the transaction in detail(See 9.2).
9.2 Lost Receipt: If the cash register receipt or the signed credit form is lost, the
cardholder must first attempt to contact the merchant and obtain a copy of the
documentation. If that is not possible, the cardholder must submit the Missing
Receipt Form (Appendix E) detailing the entire transaction. The cardholder’s
supervisor must review and sign the written explanation. Please note that Section
6.0 (paragraph 6.3) lists failure to turn in receipts as a reason for possible
revocation of thePurchasing Card.
10.0 CARDHOLDER VERIFICATION OF CHARGES:
10.1 Cardholders are accountable for all charges made with their Purchasing Cards and
are responsible for checking all transactions against the corresponding support
documentation to verify their accuracy and propriety. Verification should be done
regularly using the Commerce Bank’s ControlPayAdvanceonlinetransaction review
system and the Cardholder's printed Monthly Statement.
10.2 All transactions processed during a monthly cycle will be reflected on a monthly
statement of account. Each cardholder will receive a copy of their statement of
account at the end of the monthly cycle. During the cycle, cardholders are
responsible for retaining the original copy of all transaction receipts.
10.3 Cardholders are to review their transactions on Commerce Bank’s ControlPay
Advancedfor accuracy, including transactions, amounts, and default account number
codes. If an account number for a purchase is incorrect, the cardholder use an
appropriate account number as listed in the drop down box next to the transaction.
Once each transaction is properly allocated, the cardholder will check the
“Reviewed” boxand possibly the “Approved” box (if the Monthly Statement is to be
printed out for approval by the Department Head). This will “lock” the information
into the system.
10.4 Cardholders will create a Transaction Envelope for all approved transactions that
will be included in the Monthly Statement. This Monthly Statement will be printed
out and the cardholder will attach Original Receipts along with any required written
explanations. Keep a record (duplicate copies) of all receipts, written explanations,
statements and forms submitted. Each cardholder is responsible for keeping their
own documentation and processing the statements for payment. In the absence of the
cardholder, the supervisor is responsible for processing the payment. Each
cardholder is responsible for informing the supervisor of the location where the
receipts and documentation are kept.
10.5 If a particular charge or credit does not appear on-line or on the Monthly Statement,
it should be checked against future on-line transaction information and/or the next
Monthly Statement. If the charge or credit does not appear within 60 days after the
original charge wasmade, the Cardholder must notify the Program Administrator.
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10.6 If the Cardholder disputes a charge, the nature of the dispute and the final resolution
must be documented. This documentation must be retained with the Monthly
Statement on which the disputed charge appears. (See Section 11.0 )
10.7 The monthly statement should be given to the Department Head for approval and
signature:
11.0 CARDHOLDER CHARGE DISPUTE RESOLUTION:
In the case of a disputed charge, the Cardholder must try to resolve the dispute directly
with the merchant. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the Cardholder must complete a
Cardholder Dispute Form (Appendix F) within 30 days of the date noted on the
Statement that lists the disputed charge and forward the completed form to the Program
Administrator.
12.0 DEPARTMENT HEAD VERIFICATION OF CARDHOLDER CHARGES:
12.1 The Department Head is responsible for reviewing each transaction on a cardholders’
monthly statement.
12.2 For a charge to be approved there must be adequate support documentation available
so that the Department Head can ascertain that the purchase is valid and the
Cardholder is accountable for that purchase.
12.3 A discrepancy associated with a charge may occur if any one or more of the
following situations exist:
♦ Insufficient transaction information.
♦ One or more of the criteria for authorized card use set forth in Section 5.0 have
not been met.
♦ The Cardholder disputes the charge. (See Section 11.0 )
12.4 All discrepancies must be investigated and resolved. The disposition of each
discrepancy must be documented and retained with the Support Documentation
and/or Monthly Statement. Cardholders are accountable for all discrepancies. The
Program Administrator must be notified, in writing, of all discrepancies.
12.5 The monthly statement of account and attached receipts should then be forwarded to
the Program Administrator in Fiscal Services within 7 days from the date on the
statement.
13.0 TRANSACTION REALLOCATION:
For any given charge, the Cardholder or the Department Head have the option of
performing an on-line reallocation from the default account number to any other
Grossmont Union High School Districtaccount number that they are authorized to access.
14.0 PURCHASING CARD SECURITY:
14.1 It is the Cardholder's responsibility to safeguard the Purchasing Card and
Purchasing Card account number at all times.
14.2 Cardholders must keep their Purchasing Cards in a secure location at all times.
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14.3 Cardholders must not allow anyone else to use their Purchasing Cards and/or
Purchasing Cardaccount numbers.
14.4 Cardholders must not write their Purchasing Card account numbers where others
can easily see them.
15.0 LOST, STOLEN OR DAMAGED PURCHASING CARD:
15.1 If a Purchasing Card is lost, stolen or damaged, the Cardholder must report this
immediately to the card issuing bank.
15.2 Cardholders must notify the Program Administrator if their cards are lost, stolen or
damaged within 24 hours after reporting the incident to Card Services.
15.3 After the above notification procedures have been completed, a new Purchasing
Card may be issued to the Cardholder by the Program Administrator.
15.4 If a Purchasing Card is found after it has been reported lost or stolen it must be
destroyed by cutting it in half and returning both halves to the Program
Administrator. The same procedure applies if a card is damaged. Both card halves
must be forwarded to the Program Administrator.
16.0 CARDHOLDER ACCOUNT MAINTENANCE:
Whenever any of the information contained on a Cardholder’s Application Form changes,
a new Cardholder Application Form must be completed by the Cardholder within 30 days
of the change and signed by the Department Head. The completed Change/Cancellation
Formmust then be forwarded to the Program Administrator.
17.0 CARDHOLDER TRANSFER WITHIN THE Grossmont Union High School District:
Cardholders who transfer to a new position within the same department and require the use
of a Purchasing Card as part of their new dutiesshould continue to use the same card.The
Cardholder should notify the Program Administrator of a new Default Account Number
they would like assigned to their card. Cardholders who no longer require a Purchasing
Card in their new position or transfer to a different department must return their
Purchasing Card to the Program Administrator along with a completed
Change/Cancellation Form(Appendix B).
18.0 CARDHOLDER SEPARATION FROM THE Grossmont Union High School District:
Prior to separation from the Grossmont Union High School District for any reason,
Cardholders must surrender their Purchasing Card and corresponding support
documentation to the Program Administrator per the instructions in Section 19.0.
19.0 PURCHASING CARD CANCELLATION:
The Program Administrator must be notified immediately when a Purchasing Card is to be
canceled. The card must be destroyed by cutting it in half. Both card halves must be
forwarded to the Program Administrator along with a complete Change/CancellationForm
(Appendix B).
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PURCHASING CARD PROCEDURES
1.0 How is a purchasing card obtained?
Call or e-mail the Purchasing Card Program Administrator and request a Cardholder
Application Form(see Appendix A) and a Cardholder Agreement Form (see Appendix C).
Complete the forms and submit them to your department head or supervisor for approval.
The completed Cardholder Agreement and Application Forms shall be forwarded to the
Purchasing Card Program Administrator for processing. Once the Purchasing Card
Program Administrator receives the new card, usually within 5 business days, you will be
contacted and scheduled for training. Upon completion of the training you will be asked to
sign the Purchasing Cardholder Policies and ProceduresAcknowledgement Formand the
card will be issued.
The Purchasing Card Program Administrators are:
Primary Contact: Secondary Contact:
2.0 Once a cardholder receives their card is it immediately ready for use?
No. In order to provide a measure of security, the purchasing card requires activation.
When the card is received, a sticker prompts the cardholder to activate the purchasing
card. Once activated, the purchasing card is ready for use. Activation is required only
once for each purchasing card received.
3.0 How are the dollar amounts and activity controls set?
When applying for a card, the department head or supervisor determines control limits for
the following:
Dollar limit per transaction
Dollar limit per month (cycle*)
Number of times of use per day
Number of times of use per month (cycle*)
Authorized Merchant Category Code
Prohibited merchant types
*This refers to the monthly billing cycle as determined by Commerce Bank. Commerce
Bank’s cycle runs from the 1stof each month to the last day of each month.
4.0 How can control limits be changed?
A Change/Cancellation Form (Appendix B) must be completed indicating the changes
desired and submitted to the Purchasing Card Program Administrator for processing. All
changes will take effect immediately upon completion of data entry by the Program
Administrator.
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5.0 For whom can a cardholder make purchases?
The Cardholder may make Grossmont Union High School District business-related
purchases.
6.0 What can be purchased with the purchasing card?
The purchasing card may be used to purchase only items or services that are for
Grossmont Union High School District’s use. In addition, certain classifications of
products or services designated by Merchant Category Codes (MCC)* may be excluded
when the card is originally set up.
*Merchant Category Codes (MCC) are groups of standard industry classification codes, or
basically the primary type of business conducted by a supplier.
7.0 Can I make purchases over the phone, fax or Internet?
Yes, unless otherwise specifically noted in your Purchasing Card Agreement. These
purchases do require prior approval by the Program Administrator or the Director of
Purchasing to ensure proper purchasing procedures are not being circumvented.
8.0 Is personal use of the procurement card allowable?
No. Use of the purchasing card for personal purchases is strictly prohibited. If the
purchasing card is inadvertently used for a personal purchase, call the Purchasing Card
Program Administrator immediately.
9.0 Can the card be shared?
No. Use by anyone other than the Cardholder whose name is embossed on the card is
strictly prohibited. The only person entitled to use a purchasing card is the person whose
name appears on the face of the card. Only the cardholder may sign for Card
transactions.
10.0 Which suppliers may I use?
The purchasing card is a VISA Cardproduct. Any supplier or merchant who accepts VISA
can accept the purchasing card. The Cardholder may only use those suppliers or
merchants that have been authorized by the Program Administrator. If the Cardholder
attempts to use the Purchasing Card at a supplier or merchant that is not authorized, the
transaction will be declined.
11.0 What if the supplier does not accept purchasing cards?
VISA Cards are accepted by more than 8 million suppliers worldwide, so acceptance
shouldn’t be a concern. However, if a supplier currently does not accept VISA Card, notify
the Program Administrator who will work with the supplier to assist them in enrolling in the
VISA Cardacceptance program.
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12.0 What are the guidelines for sales tax?
Sales tax applies in most cases. Make a notation for out-of-state vendors that do not
charge sales tax. These sales need to be reported by Fiscal Services to the Franchise
Tax Board.
13.0 What are the delivery instructions?
Make sure complete shipping instructions are given when placing orders. Confirm with
the merchant the correct department name and delivery location and make sure this
information appears on all shipping documents. Deliveries shall be made to the
cardholder’s place of employment or the district’s warehouse. Deliveries shall not be
made to the cardholder’s place of residence.
14.0 What is the required receipt documentation?
A signed credit card form and cash register receipt or invoice are required as the
supporting documentation for a purchase. Both must be submitted with the monthly
statement.
If a merchant provides only a credit card form, the cardholder must attach a written
explanation describing each item or service purchased.
If the cash register receipt or invoice provides no detail or description of the purchase,
the cardholder must contact the merchant to obtain a copy.
15.0 What if a receipt is not available?
If receipts are unavailable, the cardholder must submit a Missing Receipt Form (Appendix
E) with a written explanation describing the transaction in detail. The cardholder’s
supervisor must review and sign the written explanation.
16.0 What if a receipt is lost?
If the cash register receipt or the signed credit form is lost, the cardholder must first
attempt to contact the merchant and obtain a copy of the documentation. If that is not
possible, the cardholder must submit a Missing Receipt Form (Appendix E)describing the
transaction in detail. The cardholder’s supervisor must review and sign the written
explanation.
17.0 What if the card is lost or stolen?
If the purchasing card is lost or stolen, immediately call VISA Bank Card Services using
the number on the back of the card (1-800-VISA-911 or 1-800-847-2911). Keep a written
record of this call, which includes the date, time and name of the person contacted at
VISA. Notify your Department Head and call the Program Administrator as soon as
possible. NOTE: Always keep the purchasing card in a secure location. It should only be
accessible to the cardholder.
18.0 What if the cardholder leaves the Grossmont Union High School District or changes
to another department?
If the cardholder leaves district they must surrender the card, complete a
Change/Cancellation Form to close the account, submit it to the Department Head for
signature and forward it to the Purchasing Card Program Administrator for processing. If
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a cardholder transfers to another site or departments,and the Department Head approves
them having a P-Card, theCardholder should keep their existing card and have their new
Department Head complete and sign the Change/Cancellation Form (Appendix B) and
send it to the Program Administrator.
19.0 How are statements reconciled?
All transactions processed during a monthly cycle will be reflected on a monthly
statement. Each cardholder will print their statement the end of the monthly cycle. During
the cycle, cardholders are responsible for retaining the original copy of all transaction
receipts.
Cardholders are to review their transactions using the ControlPay website for accuracy,
including transactions, amounts, and account numbers. If an account number for a
purchase is incorrect, the cardholder is to reallocate the default account number and
replace it with the desired account number. Once each transaction is properly allocated,
the cardholder will check the “Reviewed” box, which will “lock” the information into the
system.
Original receipts must be stapled to the monthly statement along with any required written
explanations.
The monthly statement of account and attached receipts should then be forwarded to the
Department Head for approval. Once the Department Head has approved the
transactions, the Department Head will forward the statement and receipts to Fiscal
Serviceswithin 7days from the date on the statement.
Keep a record (duplicate copies) of all receipts, written explanations, statements and
forms submitted. Each cardholder is responsible for keeping their own documentation
and processing the statements for payment. In the absence of the cardholder, the
supervisor is responsible for processing the payment. Each cardholder is responsible for
informing the supervisor of the location where the receipts and documentation are kept.
Fiscal Serviceswill expense charges to the cardholder’s department by using the account
information listed on the monthly cardholder’s statement of account.
Fiscal Services will review each monthly statement and, if an exception is identified, they
will return a Notification of Exceptions report to the supervisor and cardholder for
correction. The cardholder’s Department Head and the Purchasing Card Program
Administrator will also be notified of the exceptions. Violations noted may lead to card
revocation.
20.0 What if there is an incorrect billing?
If you have a problem with billing, the Cardholder must try to reach a resolution with the
providing merchant. The merchant should issue credit for a billing correction. This credit
may not appear until the next monthly statement. Do not remove or cross outthe item on
the current monthly statement or delay processing because of credits or disputes.
If the dispute cannot be resolved, the Cardholder must complete a Cardholder Dispute
Form (Appendix F) within 30 days of the date noted on the Statement that lists the
disputed charge and forward the completed form to the Program Administrator.
GUHSDPurchasing Card Program –Cardholder Policies and Procedures
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21.0 How are purchases returned?
If a purchased item needs to be returned, follow the merchant’s return procedures.
22.0 Will using a purchasing card affect personal credit?
Use of the purchasing card will nothave any impact on the cardholder’s personal credit.
23.0 What if I do not use the card?
Card activity is reviewed periodically and a determination can be made by the Department
Head and Purchasing Card Administrator as to whether or not a card should be canceled
because of lack of use.
24.0 What transactions are unauthorized?
Cards may not be used for excluded categories of goods and services as designated by
the Program Administrator with the Department Head and Grossmont Union High School
District’s policies and procedures (see Section 5.0 of Purchasing Card Policies). Use of
the purchasing card is prohibited for cash advances, money orders, traveler’s checks and
cashier checks. Purchases split to remain under the single transaction dollar amount are
also unauthorized. The Program Administrator reviews detailed transaction reports of
exceptions by cardholders. These reports list purchases that may have been split to avoid
dollar control limits.
25.0 What would cause a card to be revoked?
Failure to comply with the requirements of this User Manual may result in immediate
revocation of procurement card privileges. These include, but are not limited to, any of
the following:
Splitting of charges to avoid the single purchase dollar limit.
Loaning the card to another employee for use.
Allowing purchases to be signed for by anyone other than the cardholder except for
delivery receipts by UPS, USPS, Federal Express, etc.
Failure to submit receipts for charges.
A personal purchase.
The monthly cardholder statement is submitted to Fiscal Services more than 7 days
after the monthly statement date.
The attached receipts do not match the item descriptions or dollar amounts listed on
the monthly statement of account.
26.0 What are the most common exceptions experienced by a cardholder?
The most common exceptions to established policy requirements for supporting
documentation are:
Monthly statement not submitted to Accounting within 7days (Procedure No. 19)
Missing description of goods or services purchased (Procedure No. 14)
Incomplete documentation from a restaurant (Procedure No. 15)
Missing receipt or suitable replacement for the receipt (Procedure No. 16)
Card used by another employee (Procedure No. 09)
Splitting of charges to avoid single purchase dollar limit (Procedure No. 25)
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27.0 What actions will be taken if a card is subject to revocation?
If reported violations warrant revocation of card privileges, the Procurement Card Program
Administratorwill contact the cardholder’s Department Head. Information will be provided
regarding exceptions to the established policy or requirements that justify the cancellation
of the card. A written determination from the Department Head will be obtained and
reviewed by the Program Administrator. If a determination is made that a card should be
cancelled, the Cardholder will be notified that the card has been cancelled. The
Cardholder must destroy the card by cutting it in half and return both halves to the
Program Administrator.
28.0 What are my Supervisor’s Responsibilities?
The successful use of a procurement card depends on both cardholders and Department
Heads. The following are the Department Head’s responsibility:
A. Review the monthly cardholder’s Summary of Corporate Purchasing (monthly
statement), submitted by the cardholder with receipts, at theend of the payment cycle
and in the online transaction review system to ensure that the proper account
numbers are charged. Review procedures include the following:
Ensure that all purchases are an appropriate use of Grossmont Union High
School Districtfunds.
Ensure that the purchasing card is not used to make personal purchases.
Ensure that only the cardholder uses the purchasing card.
Contact the cardholder to address and correct any questionable
purchases/procedures.
Contact the Purchasing Card Program Administrator immediately if a noted
violation requires revocation of the card.
B. Approve the statement only after all the above actions have been taken. By signing
and approving the monthly statement, the supervisor certifies the statement’s
compliance to the established regulations and acceptance of administrative
responsibility for the financial activity.
C. Once approved, ensure the cardholder’s receipts are promptly forwarded to the
Program Administrator. The receipts must be received by Fiscal Services within
seven(7) days from the date of the statement.
D. If the cardholder is absent, process their monthly statement for them, including the
collection of all receipts, and forward to Fiscal Services. Indicate on the statement
that the cardholder was not available for review.
29.0 Who should I call if I have questions or experience problems?
The Purchasing Card Program Administrator
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
The P-Card manual describes important information about Grossmont Union High
School District’s (“District”) purchasingcard program controls and processes required to
manage the day-to-day operations of this purchasing option. The manual is intended to
inform cardholders handling P-Card transactions about the formal policy guidelines,
processes and responsibilities of the various participants. These policies ensure that P-
card purchasing is consistent withthe District’sfiscal and internal control goals.
Since the information, policies and procedures described in the manual are subject to
change, I acknowledge that revisions to the P-Card manual may occur. All policy
changes require the appropriate authorized approvals before they are implemented. I
understand that revised information may supersede, modify, or eliminate existing
policies.
I acknowledge that I have received the P-Card manual, and I understand that it is my
responsibility to read and comply with the policies and the Code of Conduct contained in
the manual and any revisions and updates made to it.
___________________________ ________________________
CARDHOLDER'S SIGNATURE DATE
________________________________________
CARDHOLDER’S NAME (TYPED OR PRINTED)
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APPENDIX
Purchasing Card Forms
Cardholder Application Form--Form PC-01 A
Cardholder Change Form --Form PC-02 B
Purchasing Card Cardholder Agreement --Form PC-03 C
Monthly Purchasing Card Log --Form PC-04 D
Purchasing Card Missing Receipt Form --Form PC-05 E
Cardholder Dispute Form --Form PC-06 F
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AppendixA
Grossmont Union High School District
Procurement Card Cardholder Application Form
ProcurementCard applicants need to acquire authorization from theirDepartment Supervisor to apply for the
ProcurementCard.
APPLICANT INFORMATION:(Please print clearly)
Applicant’s Name __________________________________________________DOB______________
SDCOE ID No.____________ Location_____________ Phone Number_________________________
Location Address_____________________________________________________________________
Applicant’s E-Mail address______________________________________________________________
Applicant’s Signature_______________________________________________Date_______________
Approver Name______________________________________________________________________
Approver E-Mail address_______________________________________________________________
AUTHORIZING INFORMATION
As the above named Applicant’s Department Supervisor, I hereby grant the above mentioned
Applicant authorization to apply for, and use, theGrossmont Union High School District’s
Procurement Card. I also agree to review and sign the monthly MasterCard Purchase Card
statements issued to the above applicant. If the applicant’s employment with the District is
terminated, I agree to notify the Program Card Administrator.
Signature______________________________________________Date__________________
Default Budget Account Code _______________________________________________
Transaction Limit:____________ Daily Limit:____________ Monthly Limit:___________
Do Not Write Below This Line
To be completed by Purchasing Card Administrator
______Information Verified Date________________ Initials____________
______Entered in Commerce Bank Date________________ Initials____________
Form PC-01
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AppendixB
Grossmont Union High School District
Purchasing Card Change/Cancellation Form
Cardholder’s Name: __________________________________________Date:______________
Department: ___________________________Last 4 Digits of Card Number: ______________
Cardto be: Changed Canceled Reason: ___________________________________
NAME CHANGE
New Name: ____________________________________________________________________
Department Change
New Department _________________________ New Budget String _______________________
ADDRESS CHANGE
Old: New:
_______________________________________________________________________________
(Street Address) (Street Address)
_______________________________________________________________________________
(City, State, Zip) (City, State, Zip)
_______________________________________________________________________________
(Business Phone) (Business Phone)
CARD CONTROLS
Card Usage Categories: Add Remove
Vendor or Restriction ___________________________Reason______________________________
Credit Limits: Increase Decrease Reason ________________________________
Single Purchase $_______________ (Card Specific-not to exceed $500.00)
Billing Cycle $_______________ (Card Specific. Departments not to exceed $5000.00)
If Card Limit changes are temporary, indicate date original defaultsshould resume: ______________
(Cardholder Signature& Date) (Approving Official Signature& Date)
Form PC-02
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AppendixC
Grossmont Union High School District
Purchasing Card Cardholder Agreement
I, ___________________________________,being a Permanent, full-time Grossmont Union High
School District (“District”) employee, hereby acknowledge being issued a Purchasing Card. As the
holder of the card, I agree to comply with the following terms and conditions regarding my use of the
card.
1. I understand that I am being entrusted with a valuable tool -a Purchasing card -and will be
making financial commitments on behalf of the District.
2. I understand that the District is liable to Commerce Bankfor all charges made on the card.
3. I agree to use this Card for approved purchases only and agree NOT TO CHARGE PERSONAL
PURCHASES. I understand there will be audits on the use ofthis Card and any discrepancies will
be addressed. A list of unauthorized uses is in Purchasing Card Program Cardholder Manual of
Policies and Proceduresas item 5.2on page 7.
4. I will follow the established procedures for the use of the Card. Failure todo so shall result in
either revocation of my use of privileges or other disciplinary actions, including discipline in
accordance with Departmental and DistrictPersonnel Policy. Turning in the required
receipts/paperwork on completion of each transactionis a mandatory step in the process
so that theaccounts may be paid on time.
5. I have read the updated Purchasing Card Program Cardholder Manual of Policies and Procedures
and understand the requirements for the Card’s use. The card does not supersedeanyDistrict
Purchasing and Contract rules, which are already in place. Items on District Contractsmust
still be purchased from the contract.
6. I agree to return the Card immediately upon request or upon termination of employment (including
retirement).
7. Ifthe Card is lost or stolen; I agree to notify CommerceBankimmediately at 1-800-892-7104as
well as theP-Card Program Administrator, Michele Andrews at 619-644-8058 or Ken Leighton at
619-644-8053.
8. I understand and will comply with the designated purchasing limits on the card.A purchase WILL
NOT be split into multiple transactions to stay within the single purchase limit.
9. I understand that it is the Cardholder’s responsibility to dispute and/or follow-up on any erroneous
charges, returns or adjustments and to ensure proper credit is applied on subsequent statements.
Employee Signature Date AuthorizingSignature Date
Printed Name Printed Name and Title
Department/Location
Form PC-03
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AppendixE
Grossmont Union High School District
Purchasing Card Missing Receipt Form
I, , have _____not received (check one)
_____ have misplaced
a Purchasing Card receipt, (i.e., merchant sales slip).
This form is submitted in lieu of theoriginal receipt:
Cardholder Name:
Card Number:
Department:
Date of Transaction:
Vendor Name:
# Item Purchased and Purpose Quantity Unit Price Amount
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Total $
I certify that the amounts shown above were expended for GUHSDbusiness purposes:
Cardholder signature: Date:
Supervisor/Director Signature: Date:
One form must be filled out for EACHmissing receipt. Submit this form with yourother receipts and
your transaction log.
Form PC-05
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AppendixF
Grossmont Union High School District
Purchasing Card Cardholder Dispute Form
NAME: ________________________________________VISAACCT # ___________________________________
MERCHANT NAME: _______________________________________ AMOUNT: ____________________
TRANSACTION DATE: ___________________________ POST DATE: ___________________________
Dear Cardholder,
This form has been forwarded to you for your convenience. If you need additional space please use the reverse side.
Regulations regarding your dispute require that you notify us in writing within 60 days of your receipt ofthe statement
reflecting the disputed charge. You are not required to use this form;you may write us a separateletter. Attempts should
be made with merchant to resolve the dispute before notifying your credit card company.Any response received after the
above mentioned time frame may result in our inability to assist you with yourdispute. Please fax your dispute notification
toyour Program Administrator;1-619-460-0334.
CHECK& COMPLETE THE ONE THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOUR DISPUTE & PROVIDE ALL REQUESTED
DOCUMENTATION
A. I have been billed more than once for the same transaction. I authorized only one charge with thismerchant for
$________. My card was in my possession at the time of the disputed billing.
B. I have been charged for a purchase that was paid for by other means. (Other credit card, Check, Etc.)Enclose
copy of other method of payment that verifies purchase was paid for by other means.
C. I have been billed for the wrong amount on my account. My credit card receipt shows $__________.However, I
was billed $__________. Enclose a copy of receipt showing correct amount.
D. I did not authorize this charge.
E. Merchant was to issue credit for goods returned on ____________.This credit has not posted to myaccount.
Enclose copy of credit receipt received from merchant / or copy of returned mail receipt.
F. I have not received the Services/Merchandise I ordered. The Service/Delivery date was____________.Explain all
details,including your attempt to resolve with the merchant.
G. I attempted to return merchandise but the merchant refuses to accept it. Explain reason for return,give
Merchant’s response & provide copy of original return mail receipt.
H. I Canceled Service, Airline ticket, Hotel reservation, on _____________. Cancellation #___________
I. I have contacted the merchant to resolve my dispute about the quality of services or goods and am stillnot
satisfied. Describe dispute fully, in detail. Include all documentation that supports your claim.
J. I have resolved my dispute with the merchant.
Explanations:
CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE
Form PC-06
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Appendix B: Sample Contractor Determination
Sheet
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR DETERMINATION
IRS GUIDELINES
Use the following checklist to define the role of independent contractor vs. employee. The person must past
this test in order to comply with IRS regulations governing independent contracts. (Attach to Agreement.)
PART I Yes No
1. Has this category of worker already been classified an "employee" by the IRS?
administrators individuals "filling in" psychologists
ASB workers on an individual basis school bus drivers
athletic coaches intern psychologists specialty teachers
cafeteria workers librarians substitutes
clerical staff nurses teachers/instructors
counselors proctors tutors
examination monitors
2. Is this individual working as an employee prescribed by the Education Code?
Education Code Sections 45100-45451 define what constitutes the classified service.
Education Code Sections 44800-45060 define the certificated service. The IRS
predisposes an employer/employee relationship when state law mandates such a
relationship.
3. Is the individual already an employee of the district in another capacity?
4. Has the individual performed substantially the same services for the district as an
employee in the past?
5. Are there currently employees of the district doing substantially the same services as will
be required of this individual?
6. Does the district have the legal right to control the method of performance by this
individual?
Consider whether the District will train the individual or give instruction as to when, where,
how, and in what order the work will be performed.
7. Does the District require the individual to submit reports on the details of their work or
work at a particular site?
These factors indicate the District maintains control sufficient for an employer/employee
relationship. However, it is not necessary that the District exercise this right, or have the
expertise required to do so.
If the answer to any of the above questions is"YES" ---STOP HERE !!!
Do not complete the rest of the questions. The individual is a district employee and must be paid and reported
accordingly. Call Human Resources for further details.
8. Will all the work be performed by this individual?
Consider whether or not the individual may designate someone else to do the work
without the District’s knowledge or approval.
9. Does the district have a continuing relationship with this individual?
Is this a “one shot” assignment, or will the District continue to use this individual in the
future? This could beon an infrequent or irregular basis, but a continuous relationship
exists.
10.Can this relationship be terminated without the consent of both parties?
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Yes No
If the answer to the question 8, 9, or 10 is "YES", there is a good possibility that anemployment relationship
exists. Questions 8 & 9 are indicators of district control that in Conjunction with other factors imply an
employment relationship.
11.Does the individual operate an independent trade or business that is available to the
general public?
A determining factor in judging independence is the performance of services to the
general public. In evaluating this criteria, the District is considered to be a separate entity.
Keep in mind: if the District is using this individual’s services ona full-time basis, the
individual is not available to the general public.
12.Does the individual have a substantial investment in his/her business, i.e. maintains a
facility, equipment, etc.?
This is indicative of economic risk inherent in business enterprises. An independent
contractor must be able to make a profit or sustain a loss.
If either 11 or 12 are "NO",the individual is a district employee STOP HERE and process the individual through
Human Resources and payroll. If 11 and 12 are both "YES", continue…
13.Does the individual provide all materials and support services necessary for the
performance of this service?
The District should not be providing office space on a regular basis, clerical, secretarial, or
other support for the individualsuch as materials, copying, printing, office supplies, etc.
Any necessary assistance should be provided by the individual.
14. Is this individual paid by the job or upon completion and acceptance of the work as a
whole or milestones identified in the contract?
15.Does the individual bear the cost of any travel and business expenses incurred to perform
this service?
Generally the individual will pay the cost of any travel and business expenses incurred to
perform the work. However, some agreements may be made to provide for payment of
airfare, mileage, etc. for consultants.
If 11 and 12 are "YES",13 through 15 should also be"YES"and are items that should be
written into the Independent Contract.
This individual is an Independent Contractor.A"YES"on questions 13 through 15 supports
the district's conclusion and substantiates a "reasonable basis" for treatment as independent
contractor. While there is circumstances where the district may pay contractually provided
expenses, these should be kept at a minimum to avoid giving the impression of an
employment relationship.
By signing below, Contractor and District Representative certify that they have reviewed District guidelines and
that the information is true and correct.
Contractor Signature ___________________________________ Date ________________________
District Representative __________________________________ Date ________________________
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APPENDDRICAEFST
Appendix C: Sample Administrative Regulations
California Uniform Public
Construction Cost Accounting Act
SAMPLE DOCUMENTS
2015
Compiledby
Guiselle Carreon, Commissioner
California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission
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DISCLAIMER
This handout has been prepared by the San Diego-Imperial Section CASBO Purchasing
Professional Council. It has not been reviewed for approval by the State CASBO and is not an
official statement of CASBO. Any advice or comments made by the panel members are not
intended to replace the advice of your legal counsel.
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APPENDDRICAEFST
Sample Documents: The sample documents below are provided for general information
purposes only. Your use of any of these sample documents is at your own risk, and you should
not use any of these sample documents without first seeking legal and/or other professional
advice.
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CONTENTS
Sample Board Agenda Item........................................................................................................1
Sample Resolution......................................................................................................................2
Sample Board Policy...................................................................................................................3
Sample Administrative Regulation 3311......................................................................................5
Sample Delegation of Authority for Emergency Projects...........................................................13
Sample Advertisement..............................................................................................................16
Sample Contractor Registration Form.......................................................................................17
Sample Request for Proposals..................................................................................................18
Sample Force Account Worksheet............................................................................................19
Frequently Asked Questions ....................................................................................................20
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________________________________________ SCHOOL DISTRICT
Business Services Division
Regular Governing Board Meeting: April 29, 2004
Topic:
Adoption of Resolution (_____________)
Issue:
Public projects contracts that exceed $15,000 in cost have traditionally been awarded by the
District through the formal bidding process as outlined in Public Contract Code Section 20111.
However, another option exists for award of public projects by public agencies for expenditures
up to $175,000. Public Contract Code Section 22001 provides for the development of cost
accounting standards and an alternative method for the bidding of public projects by public
entities. This alternative method is known as the “Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting
Act”. The only contracts that can be awarded under this Act are public projects and not
maintenance work, as defined in Public Contract Code Section 22002.
Plan:
The adoption of resolution (__________) will provide the necessary authorization for the District
to notify the State Controller’s Office of the District’s intent to participate and to enact an
informal bidding policyto govern the selection of contractors to perform public projects.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no impact to the general fund in adopting this resolution.
Recommended Action:
Adoption of Resolution (_____) Authorizing Election Under Public Contract Code Section 22030
To Become Subject To Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Procedures; and
Authorization for Superintendent or Designee to Execute Same
Originating Department:
Purchasing
______________________________________ ___________________________________
1
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______________________________ SCHOOL DISTRICT
Resolution No. _________________
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ELECTION UNDER )
PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE SECTION 22030 )
TO BECOME SUBJECT TO UNIFORM PUBLIC )
CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES )
ON MOTION OF Member_____________________,seconded by Member_________________, the
following resolution is adopted:
WHEREAS, prior to the passage of Assembly Bill No. 1666, Chap. 1054, Stats. 1983, which added Chapter
2, commencing with Section 22000, to Part 3 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code, existing law did not provide a
uniform cost accounting standard for construction work performed or contracted by local public agencies; and
WHEREAS, Public Contract Code Section 22000 et seq., the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting
Act, establishes such a uniform cost accounting standard; and
WHEREAS, the Commission established under the Act has developed uniform public construction cost
accounting procedures for implementation by local public agencies in the performance of or in the contracting for
construction of public projects; and
WHEREAS, the ________________________________________ School District desires to elect and
become subject to Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Procedures for the purpose of awarding public
project contracts as appropriate under these procedures; and
WHEREAS, the ________________________________________ School District finds that utilizing the
procedures outlined by the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act may save administrative time and
expense and will be in the best interest of the District; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, ORDERED, AND DECLAREDthat this Board finds that utilizing the
procedures outlined by the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act may save administrative time and
expense and will be in the best interest of the District; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, ORDERED, AND DECLARED that the Governing Board of the
________________________________________School District hereby elects under Public Contract Code Section
22030 to become subject to the uniform public construction cost accounting procedures set forth in the Act and to the
Commission’s policies and procedures manual and cost accounting review procedures, as they may each from time
to time be amended, and directs that the Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, and the Director, Purchasing,
notify the State Controller forthwith of this election.
PASSED AND ADOPTEDby the Governing Board ofthe ________________________________________
School District at El Cajon, California, on this ______day of ____________,_____________, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO )
I, ____________________________ Clerk of the Governing Board of the
________________________________________School District of ____________, California, do hereby certify that
the foregoing is a full, true and correctcopy of a resolution adopted by said Board at the regular meeting thereof at
the time and place of vote stated, which resolution is on file and of record in the office of said Board.
___________________________________________ ___________________________________
Date Clerk
2
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APPENDDRICAEFST
BOARD POLICY
BP 3300
Note: Education Code 17605 authorizes the Board to adopt a rule delegating authority to
purchase services and materials and prescribing time, money, and subject matter limits to this
authority. The amount delegated may not be in excess of the amount specified in Public
Contract Code 20111and 22000 et seq. Pursuant to SB 429(Ch. 897, Statutes of 1995), these
limits are currently $45,000 for facilities projects and $50,000 for other expenditures. The
amount shall escalate automatically based upon the annual adjustment by the Superintendent
of Public Instruction. Expenditures over these amounts must be competitively bid; see 3311 -
Bids. The district may revise the following paragraph to specify financial limits equal to or lower
than amounts specified in law, and to specify time limits as desired.
The Superintendent or designee may purchase supplies, materials, equipment, and services up
to the amounts specified in Public Contract Code 20111 and/or 22000 et seq., beyond which a
competitive bidding process is required.
(cf. 3310-Purchasing Procedures)
(cf. 3311-Bids)
(cf. 3312-Contracts)
The Superintendent or designee may authorize an expenditure which exceeds the budget
classification allowance against which the expenditure is the proper charge only if an amount
sufficient to cover the purchase is available in the budget for transfer by the Governing Board.
(cf. 3100-Budget)
(cf. 3110-Transfer of Funds)
All transactions entered into by the Superintendent or designee on behalf of the Board shall be
reviewed by the Board every 60 days. (Education Code 17605)
No district funds shall be expended for the purchase of alcoholic beverages. (Education Code
32435)
The Board shall not recognize obligations incurred contrary to Board policy and administrative
regulations.
Note: Education Code 17605states that the district officer invested by the Board with the power
to contract is personally liable for all district funds paid out as a result of malfeasance of office.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
17604Delegation of powers to agents; liability of agents
17605Delegation of authority to purchase supplies and equipment
3
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32435Prohibited use of public funds
35010Control of district; prescription and enforcement of rules
35035Powers and duties of superintendent
35272Educational and athletic materials
38083Purchase of perishable foodstuffs and seasonal commodities
41010Accounting system
41014Requirement of budgetary accounting
PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE
20111Contracts over $50,000; contracts for construction; award to lowest responsible bidder
Policy ________________________________________SCHOOL DISTRICT
Adopted: _______________,___________, ____________, California
Revised:
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APPENDDRICAEFST
MODIFIED FOR A CUPCCAA DISTRICT
__________________ SCHOOL DISTRICT
Administrative Regulation
AR 3311
Business and Noninstructional Operations
Public Works Bids
The district has adopted the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Account Act
procedures under Public Contract Code 22000 et. seq.
Informal Bids:
Public projects, as defined by the Act and in accordance with the limits listed in Section 22032
of the Public Contract Code, may be let to contract by informal procedures as set forth in
Section 22032, et seq., of the Public Contract Code.
Contractors List:
A list of contractors shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the provisions of
Section 22034 of the Public Contract Code. All contractors on the list for the category of
work being bid shall be mailed, faxed, or emailed a notice inviting informal bids
unless the product or service is proprietary and/or district shall send a notice inviting
informal bids to all construction trade journals specified in Section 22036.
Competitive Bidding
The district shall seek competitive bids through advertisement for contracts involving an
expenditure of greater than $175,000 for a public project, informally bid contracts involving an
expenditure of less than $175,000, and seek quotes, when feasible, for projects involving an
expenditure of $45,000 or less.
"Public project" includes construction, reconstruction, erection, alteration, renovation,
improvement, painting, repainting, demolition and repair work involving a district owned, leased
or operated facility. (Public Contract Code 22002)
Competitive bids shall be sought through advertisement for contracts exceeding $50,000 as
adjusted annually by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, for the following: (Public
Contract Code 20111; Government Code 53060). The amount by which contracts shall be
competitively bid shall escalate automatically based upon the annual adjustment by the
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
1. The purchase of equipment, material or supplies to be furnished, sold or leased to the
district
2. Services, not including construction services, or special services and advice such as
accounting, financial, legal or administrative matters
3. Repairs, including maintenance that is not a public project
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"Maintenance" means routine, recurring and usual work for preserving, protecting and keeping a
district facility operating in a safe, efficient and continually usable condition for the intended
purpose for which it was designed, improved, constructed, altered or repaired. "Maintenance"
includes, but is not limited to, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, glazing and other craft work
designed to preserve the facility as well as repairs, cleaning and other operations on machinery
and other permanently attached equipment. This definition does not include, among other types
of work, janitorial or custodial services and protection provided by security forces, nor does it
include painting, repainting or decorating other than touchup. (Public Contract Code 20115).
Unless otherwise authorized by law, contracts shall be let to the lowest responsible bidder who
shall give such security as the Governing Board requires, or else all bids shall be rejected.
(Public Contract Code 20111)
When letting a contract for the procurement and/or maintenance of electronic data processing
systems and supporting software, the Board may contract with any one of the three lowest
responsible bidders. (Public Contract Code 20118.1)
The Board shall secure bids pursuant to Public Contract Code 20111 and 20112 for any
transportation service expenditure of more than $10,000 when contemplating that such a
contract may be made with a person or corporation other than a common carrier, municipally
owned transit system or a parent/guardian of students who are to be transported. The Board
may let this contract to other than the lowest bidder. (Education Code 39802)
No work, project, service or purchase shall be split or separated into smaller work orders or
projects for the purpose of evading the legal requirements of Public Contract Code 20111-
20118.4 for contracting after competitive bidding. (Public Contract Code 20116)
Instructions and Procedures for Advertised Bids
The Superintendent or designee shall call for bids by advertising in a local newspaper of general
circulation published in the district, circulated in the county, or if no such paper exists then in
some newspaper of general circulation, at least once a week for two weeks. The notice shall
state the work to be done or materials or supplies to be furnished and the time and place where
bids will be opened. (Public Contract Code 20112)
The notice shall contain the time, date and location of any mandatory prebid conference, site
visit or meeting. The notice shall also detail when and where project documents, including final
plan and specifications, are available. Any such mandatory visit or meeting shall not occur
within a minimum of five calendar days of the publication of the initial notice. (Public Contract
Code 6610)
Bid instructions and specifications shall include the following requirements and information:
1. Recycled Content and Recycled Products (Public Contract Code 22150 et seq.)
a. All bidders, including bidders for printing contracts, shall specify the minimum, if not
exact, percentage of recycled product in the paper products offered, and both the
postconsumer and secondary waste content.
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b. Fitness and quality being equal, the District shall purchase recycled products whenever
available at no more than the total cost of non-recycled products.
1. All informal and formal bids for construction work shall be presented under sealed cover and
shall be accompanied by one of the following forms of bidder's security: (Public Contract
Code 20107, 20111)
a. Cash
b. A cashier's check made payable to the district
c. A certified check made payable to the district
d. A bidder's bond executed by an admitted surety insurer and made payable to the district
The security of unsuccessful bidders shall be returned in a reasonable period of time, in no
event any later than 60 days after the bid is awarded. (Public Contract Code 20111)
1. Bids shall not be accepted after the advertised bid opening time, regardless of whether the
bids are actually opened at that time. (Public Contract Code 20112)
2. When two or more identical lowest or highest bids are received, the Board may determine by
lot which bid shall be accepted. (Public Contract Code 20117)
3. If the district requires that the bid include prices for items that may be added to or deducted
from the scope of work in the contract, depending on the availability of funds, the bid
solicitation shall specify which one of the following methods will be used to determine the
lowest bid. In the absence of such a specification, only the method provided in item #a,
below, will be used: (Public Contract Code 20103.8)
a. The lowest bid shall be the lowest bid price on the base contract without consideration of
the prices on the additive or deductive items.
b. The lowest bid shall be the lowest total of the bid prices on the base contract and those
additive or deductive items that were specifically identified in the bid solicitation as being
used for the purpose of determining the lowest bid price.
c. The lowest bid shall the lowest total of the bid prices on the base contract and those
additive or deductive items taken in order from a specifically identified list of those items,
depending on available funds as identified in the solicitation.
d. The lowest bid shall be determined in a manner that prevents any information that would
identify any of the bidders from being revealed to the public entity before the ranking of
all biddersfrom lowest to highest has been determined.
1. Any subsequent change or alteration of a contract shall be governed by the provisions of
Public Contract Code 20118.4.
2. After being opened, all submitted bids become public records pursuant to Government Code
6252 and shall be made available for review pursuant to law, Board policy, and
administrative regulation.
(cf. 1340 -Access to District Records)
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Bids Not Required
Upon a determination that it is in the best interest of the district, the Board may authorize the
purchase, lease or contract for data-processing equipment, purchase materials, supplies,
equipment, automotive vehicles, tractors and other personal property through a public
corporation or agency ("piggyback") without advertising for bids. (Public Contract Code 20118)
(cf. 3310 -Purchasing Procedures)
Supplementary textbooks, library books, educational films, audiovisual materials, test materials,
workbooks, instructional computer software packages, or periodicals may be purchased in any
amount without taking estimates or advertising for bids. (Public Contract Code 20118.3)
(cf. 3551 -Food Service Operations/Cafeteria Fund)
In cases of emergency when repair or replacements are necessary, the governing body may
proceed at once to replace or repair any public facility without adopting plans, specifications,
strain sheets, or working details, or giving notice for bids to let contracts. The work may be
done by day labor under the direction of the governing body, by contractor, or by a combination
of the two.
(b) In case of an emergency, if notice for bids to let contracts will not be given, the public agency
shall comply with Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 22050).
(PCC 22035)
In cases of emergency when repair or replacements are necessary, the governing board may
proceed at once to replace or repair any public facility without adopting plans, specifications,
strain sheets, or working details, or giving notice for bids to let contracts. The work may be done
by day labor under the direction of the governing board, by contractor, or by a combination of
the two.
By a four-fifths vote of the governing board, may repair or replace a public facility, take any
directly related and immediate action required by that emergency, and procure the necessary
equipment, services, and supplies for those purposes, without giving notice for bids to let
contracts.
By a four-fifths vote of the governing board, the authority to enter emergency contracts may be
delegated as long as the designee takes the action to the governing board within 7 days or at its
next regularly scheduled meeting which shall be no more than 14 days after the action was
taken. The designee must report at each following meeting until the action is terminated
(contract completed). Code is in conflict with boards that meet on a monthly basis.
(PCC 22050)
(cf. 9323.2 -Actions by the Board)
Bids shall also not be required for day labor under circumstances specified in law. Day labor
shall include the use of maintenance personnel employed on a permanent or temporary basis.
(Public Contract Code 20114)
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Public projects of $45,000 or less may be performed by the employees of a public agency by
force account, by negotiated contract, or by purchase order. (Public Contract Code 22032)
1. School building repairs, alterations, additions
2. Painting, repainting or decorating of school buildings
3. Repair or building of apparatus or equipment
4. Improvements on school grounds
5. Maintenance work as defined above
Sole Sourcing Brand Names
Specifications for contracts for construction, alteration or repair of school facilities may not limit
bidding to any one product or supplier. Specifications designating a particular brand name shall
list at least two brands of comparable quality or utility and follow the description with the words
“or equal.” (Public Contract Code 3400)
Specifications for contracts may designate a product by brand or trade name when one or more
of the following conditions apply: (Public Contract Code 3400)
1. In order that a field test or experiment may be made to determine the product's suitability for
future use.
2. In order to match other products in use on a particular public improvement either completed
or in the course of completion.
3. In order to obtain a necessary item that is only available from one source.
4. (A) In order to respond to an emergency declared by a local agency, but only if the
declaration is approved by a four-fifths vote of the governing board of the local agency
issuing the invitation for bid or request for proposals. (B) In order to respond to an
emergency declared by the state, a state agency, or political subdivision of the state, but
only if the facts setting forth the reasons for the finding of the emergency are contained in
the public records of the authority issuing the invitation for bid or request for proposals.
If the district specifies a brand name for a designated material, product, thing, or service by the
specification shall be followed by the words "or equal" so that bidders may furnish any equal
material, product, thing, or service. In applying this section, the District shall, if aware of an
equal product manufactured in this state, name that product in the specification. Specifications
shall provide a period of time prior to or after, or prior to and after, the award of the contract for
submission of data substantiating a request for a substitution of "an equal" item. If no time
period is specified, data may be submitted any time within 35 days after the award of the
contract.
Prequalification Procedure
For any contract for which bids are legally required, the Board may require that each
prospective bidder complete and submit a standardized questionnaire and financial statement.
For this purpose, the Superintendent or designee shall supply a form which requires a complete
statement of the bidder's financial ability and experience in performing public works. Prospective
bidders shall submit the questionnaire and financial statement at least five days before the date
fixed for public opening of sealed bids. The information shall be verified under oath in the
manner in which civil law pleadings are verified. The questionnaires and financial statements
shall not be public records and shall not be open to public inspection. (Public Contract Code
20111.5)The Superintendent or designee shall establish a uniform system for rating bidders on
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the basis of completedquestionnaires and financial statements in order to determine the size of
contracts on which each bidder is qualified to bid. Bidders must be deemed prequalified by the
district at least one day before the fixed bid-opening date. (Public Contract Code 20111.5)
The Superintendent or designee shall furnish each qualified bidder with a standardized proposal
form. Bids not presented on the standard form shall be disregarded. (Public Contract Code
20111.5)
The district may establish a procedure for prequalifying bidders on a quarterly basis and may
authorize that prequalification be considered valid for up to one calendar year following the date
of the initial prequalification. (Public Contract Code 20111.5)
For any contract awarded after January 1, 2014, using funds from the Leroy F. Greene School
Facilities Act of 1998 or from any future state school bond if the project has projected
expenditures of one million dollars or more, the District must prequalify all bidders. (Public
Contract Code 20111.6) The District shall comply with all requirements of the PCC 20111.6
until it’s expiration on January 1, 2019.
Appeal Procedures
Contractors will be allowed to appeal a negative pre-qualification determination in accordance
with California Public Contract Code §20101.d. There is no appeal from a refusal for an
incomplete or late application. Without a timely appeal, the Contractor waives any and all rights
to challenge the decision of the District, whether by administrative process, judicial process or
any other legal process or proceeding.
In conjunction with this Pre-Qualification Policy, the District hereby establishes a Bidder Pre-
Qualification Appeals Panel (“Appeals Panel”), consisting of the following three members, or
their designee(s):
Two representatives of the district.
A member of an outside agency.
The sole issue before the Appeals Panel shall be the scoring of a Contractor. The decision of
the Appeals Panel shall be the District’s final administrative decision.
The date for submission and opening of bids for a specific project will not be delayed or
postponed to allow for completion of an appeal process.
Process:
1. Prior to disqualifying a contractor, the District shall serve written notice on the contractor:
a. Setting forth the reasons for the disqualification.
b. Indicating that the contractor will be afforded an opportunity to appeal the disqualification
as outlinedbelow. Effective notice shall be accomplished by certified mail, return receipt
requested, to the last known address of the contractor, or the contractor's agent for
service of process, or any of its principal officers, partners, owners or affiliated.
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1. The contractor shall submit his appeal in writing with the Executive Director Facilities
Management no later than 4:00 p.m. of the FIFTH business day following the day on which
the notice of rejection was mailed to the contractor.
2. The District shall act upon properly filed requests within ten calendar days from the date of
receipt of such request. If, after review, the District again rejects the contractor's application,
the contractor may request an administrative hearing with the panel.
3. At the hearing, the contractor may present oral testimony concerning the contractor's
capability and responsibility. The District shall notify the contractor of his decision within five
business days following the hearing. The decision of the panel is final.
4. A contractor,who is denied prequalification, shall be disqualified in the same type of workor
category of value for a period of one year thereafter.
Protests by Bidders
A bidder may protest a bid award if he/she believes that the award was inconsistent with Board
policy or the bid’s specifications or was not in compliance with law.
A protest must be filed in writing with the Superintendent or designee within five working days
after receipt of notification of the contract award. The bidder shall submit all documents
supporting or justifying the protest. A bidder’s failure to timely file a protest shall constitute a
waiver of his/her right to protest the award of the contract.
Any bidder submitting a Bid Proposal may file a protest of the District’s intent to award the
Contract provided that each and all of the following conditions are met:
1. The protest must be submitted in writing to the District (e-mail is not acceptable), before 4
p.m. of the FIFTH business day following bid opening.
2. The initial protest document must contain a complete statement of any and all bases for the
protest, including without limitation all facts, supporting documentation, legal authorities and
argument in support of the grounds for the bid protest; any matters not set forth in the
written bid protest shall be deemed waived. All factual contentions must be supported by
competent, admissible and creditable evidence
3. The protest must refer to the specific portions of all documents which form the bases for the
protest.
4. The protest must include the name, address and telephone number of the person
representing the protesting party.
5. Any bid protest not conforming to the foregoing shall be rejected by the District as invalid.
Provided that a bid protest is filed in strict conformity with the foregoing, the District’s Deputy
Superintendent, Business Services, or such individual(s) as may be designated by him/her,
shall review and evaluate the basis of the bid protest. Either the District’s Deputy
Superintendent, Business Services or other individual designated by him/her shall provide
the bidder submitting the bid protest with a written statement concurring with or denying the
bid protest. The District’s Governing Board will render a final determination and disposition
of a bid protest by taking action to adopt, modify or reject the disposition of a bid award as
reflected in the written statement of the Deputy Superintendent, Business Services or
his/her designee. Action by the District’s Governing Board relative to a bid award shall be
final and not subject to appeal or reconsideration by the District, any employee or officer of
the District or the District’s Governing Board. The rendition of a written statement by the
Deputy Superintendent, Business Services (or his/her designee) and action by the District’s
Governing Board to adopt, modify or reject the disposition of the bid award reflected in such
written statement shall be express conditions precedent to the institution of any legal or
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equitable proceedings relative to the bidding process, the District’s intent to award the
Contract, the District’s disposition of any bid protest or the District’s decision to reject all Bid
Proposals.
6. The procedure and time limits set forth in this paragraph are mandatory and are the Bidder's
sole and exclusive remedy in the event of bid protest. Failure to comply with these
procedures shall constitute a waiver of any right to further pursue the bid protest, including
filing a Government Code Claim or legal proceedings.
Regulation ___________________SCHOOL DISTRICT
Approved: ____________, 20__,______________, California
Revised:
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________________________________________SCHOOL DISTRICT
Business Services Division
Regular Governing Board Meeting February 9, 2012
SUPPORTS DISTRICT’S GOAL #II.A
Topic:
Delegation of Authority in Regard to Awarding of Emergency Contracts.
Issue:
Pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22050 (b) (1) the governing body, by a four-fifths
vote, may delegate, by resolution or ordinance, to the appropriate county administrative officer,
city manager, chief engineer, or other nonelected agency officer, the authority to order any
action to repair or replace a public facility, take any directly related and immediate action
required by that emergency, and procure the necessary equipment, services, and supplies for
those purposes, without giving notice for bids to let contracts provided that the designee
complies with the conditions set forth in the code.
Plan:
The adoption of resolution (_________ ) will authorize the Superintendent and/or the Deputy
Superintendent of Business Services to award an emergency contract for public works as
outlined in the attached resolution.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact generated from the adoption of thisresolution.
Recommended Action:
Adoption of Resolution (________) Delegating Authority to the Superintendent and/or
_______________Superintendent of Business Services to Award Emergency Contracts
____________________________________________________________________________
Originating Department:
Purchasing
Submitted/Recommended By: Approved for Submission to the Governing Board:
_____________________________ _________________________________________
(insert name) (insert name)
_____________Superintendent, Superintendent
Business Services
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________________________________________SCHOOL DISTRICT
Resolution No. _______________
DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY IN REGARD )
TO AWARDING OF EMERGENCY CONTRACTS )
On motion of Member ____________, seconded by Member ____________, the following
resolution is adopted:
WHEREAS, pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22050 et. seq. the governing body, by a
four-fifths vote, may delegate, by resolution or ordinance, to the appropriate county
administrative officer, city manager, chief engineer, or other nonelected agency officer, the
authority to order any action to repair or replace a public facility, take any directly related and
immediate action required by that emergency, and procure the necessary equipment, services,
and supplies for those purposes, without giving notice for bids to let contracts provided that the
designee complies with the conditions set forth in the code; and
WHEREAS, Public Contract Code Section 20112 requires the Board to advertise for bids for
public projects by publishing a notice calling for bids at least once a week for two consecutive
weeks in a newspaper of general circulation published within the District; and
WHEREAS, from time to time emergencies arise necessitating awarding of a contract without
competitive bidding to permit the continuance of existing school classes or to avoid danger to
life or property; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to delegate to District staff certain authority in regard to
contractingfor emergency public works projects.
NOW, THEREFORE,the Board does hereby determine, resolve, and order as follows:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.
Section 2. The Board hereby delegates the authority and discretion to the
Superintendent and/or the Deputy Superintendent of Business Services to award
emergency contracts for public works without competitive bidding.
Section 3. If a person with authority delegated pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2)
orders any actionspecified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), that person shall report to
the governing body, at its next meeting required pursuant to this section, the reasons
justifying why the emergency will not permit a delay resulting from a competitive
solicitation for bids and why the action is necessary to respond to the emergency.
Section 4. If a person with authority delegated pursuant to subdivision (b) orders any
action specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), the governing body shall initially
review the emergency action not later than seven days after the action, or at its next
regularly scheduled meeting if that meeting will occur not later than 14 days after the
action, and at least at every regularly scheduled meeting thereafter until the action is
terminated, to determine, by a four-fifths vote, that there is a need to continue the action,
unless a person with authority delegated pursuant to subdivision (b) has terminated that
action prior to the governing body reviewing the emergency action and making a
determination pursuant to this subdivision. If the governing body meets weekly, it may,
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after the initial review, review the emergency action in accordance with this paragraph
every 14 days.
Section 5. When the governing body reviews the emergency action pursuant to
paragraph (1) or (2), it shall terminate the action at the earliest possible date that
conditions warrant so that the remainder of the emergency action may be completed by
giving notice for bids to let contracts.
Section 6. This Resolution shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect
until rescinded by the Board.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Governing Board of the
________________________________________ School District at ______________,
California, on this _____day of _______________, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
)
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO )
I, Priscilla Schreiber, Clerk of the Governing Board of the
________________________________________ School District of El Cajon, California, do
hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by said
Board at the regular meeting thereof at the time and place of vote stated, which resolution is on
file and of record in the office of said Board.
_________________________________ ___________________________________
Date
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NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
TO BE INCLUDED ON THE DISTRICT'S LIST OF QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS
PER SECTION 22034OF THE PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE
PREQUALIFICATION OF GENERAL AND MEP CONTRACTORS
The _________________ School District has elected to become subject to the California
Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Procedures. The District is inviting all licensed
contractors to submit information for inclusion on the District's list of “qualified” bidders for the
________calendar year.
This notice requires contractors to provide the following information. Registration forms are
available at (insertURL)
1) Company name
2) Contact name and mailing address
3) Contact phone number, fax number, and email address
4) Type of work contractor is interested in performing
5) Type of work contractor is licensed to perform
6) Contractor's license class and number
NOTE: Registering with a district does not satisfy the prequalification requirements
under PCC 20111.6 or the Department of Industrial Relations registration requirements
under Labor Code 1725.5.
(Optional Language) Prequalification: In addition to registering with the District, all General
Contractors (A and B), Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Contractors (C-4, C-7, C-10, C-16,
C-20, C-34, C-36, C-38, C-42, C-43, and C-46) need to complete the prequalification application
in order to be eligible to work on projects in excess of $1 million dollars. Effective December 1,
2013, the link for the application may be found at the above mentioned web address.
The _____________________ may create a new contractors list effective January 1st of each
year and may include any contractor's name it desires on the contractors list, but shall include,
at a minimum, all contractors who have properly provided the School District with the required
information, either during the calendar year in which the list is valid or during November or
December of the prior year. (Optional Language) The list will automatically include all
contractors who submitted one or more bids to theSchool District during the preceding calendar
year. A contractor may have their firm added to the School District's contractors list at any time
by providing the required information. For information, call _____________________.
Information should be sent to:
Name & Address
Fax:
E-mail:
Dated this ____________________
Clerk of the Governing Board
_________________________ District,
of San Diego County, California
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CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION APPLICATION
California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act
The ____________________________ District has elected to become subject to the California
Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Procedures. The District is inviting all licensed
contractors to submit information for inclusion on the District's list of qualified bidders for the _____
calendar year.
NOTES:
1. The registration process is for the purpose of being notified of bid opportunities according to your
license classification. Prequalification is a more complex process and will be required of all
General Contractors (A and B) and all MEPs (C-4, C-7, C-10, C-16, C-20, C-34, C-36, C-38, C-
42, C-43, and C-46) for projects in excess of $1 million. We launched a web-based
prequalification process in December. To apply forprequalificationgo to: (url)
2. SB 854 became effective July 1, 2014, and requires contractors to register with the Department
of Industrial Relations prior to bidding on public works projects. This registration does not fulfill
that requirement.
This notice requires contractors to provide the following information:
Company Name Phone No. Fax No.
Address Contact Name:
City, State, Zip Email Address
Type of Work License Classification(s) License No.
DIR No.
Information should be sent to:
_______________, Director of Purchasing
_________________________ District
_____________________, CA 92111
Fax: __________________
E-mail:
The ____________________________ School District may create a new contractors list effective
January 1stof each year and may include any contractor's name it desires on the contractors list, but
must include, at a minimum, all contractors who have properly provided the School District with the
required information, either during the calendar year in which the list is valid or during November or
December of the prior year. A contractor may have their firm added to the School District's
contractors list at any time by providing the required information. (Optional: The list will
automatically include all contractors who submitted one or more bids to the School District during the
preceding year.)
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES UNDER THE CALIFORNIA UNIFORM PUBLIC
CONSTRUCTION COST ACCOUNTING ACT
(Not to Exceed $45,000)
Please Fax/Email Response To:
(insert name & contact Information) PLEASE RESPOND BY:
Company Name: ______________________________Contact: ______________________
Address: ____________________________________Phone #: ______________________
Email Address: _______________________________Fax: __________________________
Please provide a proposal for the following scope of services:
Project Name:
Scope:
Start Date: Completion Date:
Proposal attached: ________
No bid: ________
_________________________________ __________________________
Signature Date
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CALIFORNIAUNIFORMPUBLICCONSTRUCTIONCOSTACCOUNTINGACT
FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS(FAQs)
1. WhatistheUniformPublicConstructionCostAccountingAct?
A programcreatedin1983whichallowslocalagenciestoperformpublicprojectworkupto
$45,000withitsownworkforceiftheagencyelectstofollowthecostaccountingprocedures set
forth in the Cost Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual of the California Uniform
Construction Cost Accounting Commission (Commission). The Uniform Public Construction
Cost Accounting Act (Act) is enacted under Public Contracts Code Section 22000 through
22045(hereafterabbreviatedasPCC22000-22045).
In addition, the Act provides for alternative bidding procedures when an agency performs
publicprojectworkbycontract.
a) Publicprojectsof$45,000orlessmaybeperformedbynegotiatedcontractorbypurchase
order(PCC22032(a)).
b) Publicprojectsof$175,000orlessmaybelettocontractbytheinformalproceduresset
forthintheAct(PCC22032(b)).
c) Publicprojectsofmorethan$175,000shallbelettocontractbyformalbiddingprocedures
(PCC22032(c)).
Every five years, the Commission shall consider whether there have been material changes in
public construction costs and make recommendations to the State Controller regarding
adjustments to the bidding procedure monetary limits (PCC 22020). Adjustments should be
effective for the fiscal year that commences not less than 60 days following the State
Controller’snotificationtoallparticipatingagencies.
2. Whatarethebenefitsoftheprogram?
a) Increasedforceaccountlimit
b) Informal bidding forprojects between $45,001 and $175,000 which do not require
advertising.
c) Reducesthenumberofformalbids.
d) Expeditedcontractingforsmallprojects.
Many participants laud the program because it gives them more leeway in the execution of
public works projects; has speeded up the awards process; has improved timeliness of the
projectcompletion;has eliminatedconsiderable red tape and cumbersome paperworkrelative to
advertising and filing of reports; and has simplified administration. Many agencies have
encountered only minimal challenges with the accounting requirements and the overhead
portion. Moreover, where required, the adjustment was relatively simple; most of the required
procedures were already actually in place, so there was no noticeable change in the existing
operations. The Standard Accounting Codes Structure will satisfy the reporting requirements
whenusedproperly.
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FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ)
UniformPublicConstructionCostAccountingAct
3. IstheUniformPublicConstructionCostAccountingActmandatoryforlocalagencies?
No. The Act is a voluntary program. However, it is available to all local agencies, counties, and
cities,bothgenerallawandcharter.
4. HowdoesalocalagencybecomesubjecttotheAct?
The governing body must elect by resolution to become subject to the Act and file a copy of the
resolution with the State Controller's Office (PCC 22030). Sample documents are available at:
http://www.sco.ca.gov/ard_cuccac.html.Once an agency has opted into the Act it will remaina
partoftheprogramuntilit optsout.Thereisnoneedforrenewal/re-optingin.
5. MayalocalagencywithdrawfromtheAct?
An agencymaywithdrawbyfiling aresolutionoftheagency’selectiontowithdrawwiththe State
Controller'sOffice.
6. WhatistheCaliforniaUniformConstructionCostAccountingCommission?
A state commission created under the Act (PCC 22010). It consists of fourteen (14) members:
thirteen(13) members are appointedby the State Controllerand one is a designatedmember of
the Contractors’ State License Board. Seven members represent the public sector (counties,
cities, school districts, and special districts). Six members represent the private sector (public
works contractors and unions). The Commission members receive no salary, but are eligible for
reimbursement of their direct expenses related to the Commission. The Commission is
responsible for administration of the Act. The State Controller provides limited staff and other
supporttotheCommission(PCC22015(a)).
7. WhataretheUniformPublicConstructionCostAccountingProcedures?
The cost accounting procedures were developed by the Commission. They are to be used to
estimate costs for determining if a public project is required to be bid out and to capture and
record actual costs when a public project is performed by the agency’s own work force. The
procedures follow normal accounting in the industry and in many cases are not much different
from those already in place at the agency. Sample forms are available in the CUCCAC Cost
AccountingPoliciesandProceduresManual.
School districts may use the Standard Accounting Code Structure to comply with the tracking
requirements.
8. Are the cost accountingpoliciesand proceduresapplicablefor agencieswhosework
forceonlyperformsmaintenancetasksasdefinedintheActandwhosepublicprojects
areallcontractedout?
The cost accounting policies and procedures are only applicable for agencies that perform
public project work by force account. This does not exclude from the program agencies whose
publicprojectsare allcontractedout.Infact,theymightwanttoreviewthe benefitsavailable and
electtoparticipatenowintheeventconditionschangeatsometimeinthefuture.
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FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ)
UniformPublicConstructionCostAccountingAct
9. ThePublicContractCodesection22034(a)states“theagencyshallmaintainalistof
qualifiedcontractors1…”.Whatismeantbytheterm“qualifiedcontractors”?
The term “qualified contractors” is intended to define contractors who request to be added to an
agencies list for specified types of specialty work and are licensed and otherwise legally
qualified to perform that work as licensed contractors. In addition, the Commission has
determined that nothing in the Act prohibits a participating agency from, at their discretion,
using an objective pre-qualification process in the formation and maintenance of their
contractor’s lists. This change will be added to the language on Section 3, page 7, of the Cost
AccountingPoliciesandProceduresManual.
10.Can a local agency disqualify or exclude certain contractors from the Qualified
ContractorsListrequiredpursuanttoPCC22034(a)?
Agencies may disqualify contractors from the Qualified Contractors List when a contractor fails
to furnish information to meet the minimum criteria as established by the Commission pursuant
toPCC22034(a).
11.Foragenciesthat donotmaintainaninformalbidderslist,aretheyallowedtochoose
whowillgetnotificationsoninformationprojects?
The Act requires that an informal bid project is either advertised and/or notifications are sent to
all contractors on the informal bidders list. We have noticed that a very large percentage of
signatory local public agencies do not maintain or update an informal bidders list and are
sendingnoticestoonlyoneortwo contractors.
There is no exemption to maintaining a list of bidders. PCC 22034(a). The public agency shall
maintain a list of qualified contractors, identified according to categories of work. Minimum
criteria for development and maintenance of the contractors list shall be determined by the
commission.If an agencyis notmaintaininga listor notifyingallcontractorsortradepapers, then
theyarenotincompliancewiththeAct.
ThePublicContractCodestatesthatparticipatingagenciesshalladoptanordinancerequiring that
alistofallqualifiedcontractors,identifiedaccordingtocategoriesofworkbemaintained.It does not
require the list to be used however, and allows notifications to the required trade journals and
exchanges be used as an alternate if desired. For agencies that elect to use the alternative
authorizedmethodofadvertising,thepurposeofthelistiseffectivelynegated.
If an agencyis using thecontractor'slist thentheymustsendthe notificationto allcontractors on
the list for that category of work and the list must be maintained in accordancewith the Manual.
12.What is the difference between qualifying contractors under UPCCAA and
prequalificationofcontractorsunderPCC20101?
Qualification of contractors is a process that allows contractors to register with the agency for
notification of public works opportunities. The prequalification process under PCC 20101 is a
more complex process that requires a standardized questionnaire and evaluation of
contractorsusingstandardscoringcriteria.
1 The term Qualified Contractors is pending legislative change. The proposed term is Registered Contractors.
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FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ)
UniformPublicConstructionCostAccountingAct
13.Must a local agency:(1) Notifycontractorspursuantto PCC22034(b)if the contractor
is believed not to have the skills, credentials, or experienceto perform the work? (2)
Considerbidssubmittediftheagencybelievesthecontractordoesnothavetheskills,
credentials,orexperiencetoperformthework?
a) IfacontractorisontheQualifiedContractorsList(PCC22034(b)),thecontractormustbe
notifiedbytheagencyofpublicprojectsforwhichheislicensedtoperform.
b) Allbidsreceivedfromqualifiedcontractorsmustbeconsidered.
14.Does the Act allow flexibilityin cases of great emergencyand when repair or
replacements are necessary to permit the continued conduct of the operations or
servicesof apublicagency?
PCC 22035 provides that in cases of great emergency the governing body may, by majority
vote, proceed without adopting plans and giving notice to bids to let contracts. In addition, this
section provides that the governing body may delegate to the appropriate agency manager the
power to declare an emergency and/or proceed with repairs or replacements without
approvalby the board. PCC 22050 providescontractingprocedureswithoutgiving noticefor bids
toletcontractsfortheseemergencies.
15.Do the alternativebiddingproceduresapplyonlyto publicprojectsas definedin PC
22002(c)orcantheybeusedforthefollowingtypesof items:
a) Maintenanceworktobeperformedbycontract?
b) Purchaseofheavyequipment?
c) Purchaseofmaterials?
Pursuant to PCC 22003, a participating agency may use the alternative bidding procedures on
maintenance work as defined in PC 22002(d), items 1-5. PCC 22003 is permissive and
agencies can continue to exclude maintenance from the alternative bidding procedures.
However,if an agencymisclassifies a project($45,001 or more) as maintenance and therefore,
doesnotusesthe applicablebiddingprocedures,a reviewbythe Commissionmay beconducted
pursuanttoPCC22042(c).
The purchase of equipment and supplies fall under PCC 20111; however, when purchased or
usedaspartofapublicworks project,the costs associatedwiththepurchaseoruse become part
oftheprojectcostandmustbeconsideredwhenapplyingthebidlimitsundertheAct.
16.WhatwillmembershipintheActcostmyagency?
At the present, no required membership fees or dues are assessed. However, the
Commissionhasnever receiveddirect statefundingforashort periodofitshistory.The State has
indicated that the participating agencies, contractors, and unions that benefit from the
Commission should be responsible for its funding. Therefore, in November 2004, the
Commission asked member agencies, contractor’s associations, and construction related
unions for voluntary donations to support the Commission.There may be additional requests for
voluntary support. Any mandatory fees or dues would require legislation and would be for a
nominalamount.
17.Whatarethemostcommonconcerns?
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FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ)
UniformPublicConstructionCostAccountingAct
There are three leading areas of expressed concern and mostly all are quickly alleviated when
addressedproperly.Theseare:
a) Costaccountingpoliciesandprocedures;
b) Informalbiddingprocedures;
c) Accountingreviewprocedures.
The cost accounting requirements follow those common to the construction industry. The
informal bidding up to $175,000 is seen by the agencies as an asset enhancing project
completion. Maintenance of a Qualified Contractor Bid List is routine, since interested
contractors make it a point to be included on the list. While a review could potentially hold up a
project for 30 days pursuant to PCC 22043, formal complaints have been rare in the
Commission’shistory.
18.Does an agencyhave to calculate an overhead rate in order to apply the accounting
procedures?
Citieswithpopulationsof lessthan75,000mayusean overheadrateof 20% of alldirectcosts in
lieu of the overhead rate calculation specified in Section VI of the Cost Accounting Policies and
Procedures Manual. Cities with a population of more than 75,000, counties, special districts,
and school districts may use an overhead rate of 30% of all direct costs, in lieu of a calculated
rate.
19.When a local entityopts into the Act, does the Act supersedeother contractinglegal
requirementssuchasstatutoryrequirementsforperformancebonds,prevailingwages,
andcertificatesofinsurance,etc.?
The Act only supersedes the bidding procedures used once a public agency has adopted a
resolution and notified the Controller. All other contracting requirements are applicable whether
ornotapublicentityoptsintotheAct.
The specific mention of bidding procedures emphasizes the omission of other statutory
requirements (such as bond payments, prevailing wages, addenda, change orders, etc.) and
impliesthattheirapplicabilityisfoundinspecificstatutoryprovisionsratherthantheAct.
Therefore, the Act does not supersede other contracting requirements for performance bonds,
prevailingwages,andcertificatesofinsurance,etc.
20.Can a signatory agency, claim to be to be exempt from requirements in the Public
ContractCode(PCC)byclaimingtheyonlyhavetofollowthelanguageandprocedures
withintheAct?
No. The Commissionhasruledinthepast thatwherethe Act issilent,the PublicContract Code
applies.
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FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ)
UniformPublicConstructionCostAccountingAct
21.IfsignatoryagenciesarenotfollowingtheadvertisingrequirementsintheAct,willthe
Commissionaddressthoseagencies?CanacomplaintbebroughttotheCommission?
Yes, a complaint can be brought to the Commission. PCC 22042 lists the categories of
complaintsthattheCommissioncanconsider.
22.PCC 20112 specifically requires school districts to advertise twice for a two week
period,whilePCC 22037 requiresadvertisingonce, 14 days in advance of the date of
openingofbids. Whichcodeappliestoschooldistricts?
PCC22037.WhentheActisinconflictwithanyothercode,theActshallsupersede. Districts may
choosetomaximizetheiroutreachbycontinuingtoadvertisetwice.
23.Mayanagencycontractseparatelyforlikeworkatthesamesiteatthesametimeusing
theunder$45,000ForceAccountmethod?
Per section 22033 of the Public Contract Code, “It shall be unlawful to split or separate into
smaller work orders or projects any project for the purpose of evading the provisions of this
article requiring work to be done by contract after competitive bidding”. Separating “like work”
wouldonlybepermittedaslongasthetotalofallthe“like work”islessthan$45,000.
Otherwisethework would berequiredtobe advertisedand bidaccordingto the provisions of the
Act (i.e.bidinformally if thetotalamountislessthan$175,000andbidformallyifthetotal amount
exceeds$175,000).
24.Mayanagencybidout2separateprojectsthatoccuratthesametimeandsite,butare
differenttypesofwork?
Yes, there is no violation if the work is being competitively bid. If the agency wants to use the
negotiatedor informalbidding processes,the agencymust applythe appropriate limits to each of
the projects. Each project must be separate in scope. Projects maynotbeseparatedby tradeto
avoid bidding. If the total of all jobs is greater than $45,000; the informal or formal bid limit will
apply.
25.Howdoesanagencyprocesschangeorderswhenthestandardcodeconflictswiththe
Act?
For contracts below $45,000, the total cost of the contract may not exceed $45,000. For
informalcontracts,undertheAct,thelimitis$175,000. Iftheagencyisaschooldistrict,there may
be additional limits and it is recommended the agency consult with their legal counsel for
interpretationofchangeorderlimits.
26.DoesanagencybyoptingintotheAct, automaticallybring
a) alldepartmentsof theagencyintotheAct?
When a local agency elects to become subject to the uniform construction cost accounting
procedures, the entire legal entity is considered subject to the Act and no divisions or
departments willbeexempt.
b) alldistricts under controlofthe boardinto theAct?
SpecialDistricts,whicharegovernedbyaboardofsupervisorsorcitycouncil,areonlysubject if a
separateelectionismadeforeachspecialdistrict.
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FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ)
UniformPublicConstructionCostAccountingAct
27.PCCsection22034requiresthatparticipatingagenciesadopt anInformalBidding
Ordinance. Whatdoschool andspecial districtsthatcannot adopt Ordinancesdoto
comply?
For those agencies who cannot legally adopt an Ordinance, a Board Policy / Administrative
Regulation or other legally applicable action of the governing board may be substituted. Such
substitute shall include the provisions of PCC section 22034 (a) through (f). If an Ordinance is
adopted, it does not take effect until 30 days following its second reading. If a substitute to an
Ordinance such as Board Policies / Administrative Regulations are utilized which go into effect
immediately upon adoption, no 30-day waiting period is required before utilizing the procedures
outlinedin theAct.
Additionalinquiriesandquestionscanbedirectedto:
StateController'sOffice
Divisionof AccountingandReporting
LocalGovernmentPolicySection or LocalGovPolicy@sco.ca.gov
3301CStreet,Suite740
SacramentoCA,95816
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Appendix D: Sample Emergency Resolution
RESOLUTION OF THE
DISTRICT
REGARDING DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
REQUIRING CONTRACT FOR REPAIRS, ALTERATIONS, WORK
OR IMPROVEMENT WITHOUT ADVERTISING FOR OR INVITING BIDS
RECITALS
A. Pursuant to Section 20113 [for community college districts, substitute
20654] of the California Public Contract Code, in an emergency when any repairs,
alterations, work or improvement is necessary to permit the continuance of existing
classes or to avoid danger to life or property, the board may by unanimous vote, with
the approval of the county superintendent of schools, make a contract in writing on
behalf of the District for the performance of labor and furnishing of materials or supplies
for those purposes without advertising or inviting bids.
B. [Describe facts showing the need for repairs and justifying an
emergency, e.g., “The boiler at Anywhere Elementary School exploded on
_________ during the winter break and must be replaced. Classes will resume in
4 days. The Superintendent reports that existing classes will not be able to
continue without an immediate repair of the boiler.”]
C. In the interest of permitting the continuance of existing classes and
activities and to avoid injury to pupils and staff, the District is in need of immediate
repairs or other work which cannot be accomplished in a sufficiently timely manner if the
repairs are required to be subject to the bidding and advertising requirements of the
California Public Contract Code.
D. The District will seek approval of the county superintendent of schools to
conduct and pay for the repairs or other work on an emergency basis without
competitive bidding.
THIS BOARD RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.
2. An emergency exists within the meaning of Section 20113/20654 of the
Public Contract Code, requiring repairs, alterations, work and/or improvements to
[name of facility] to permit the continuance of existing classes or to avoid danger to life
or property.
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3. Upon approval of the county superintendent of schools, the District shall
secure a contract to perform the necessary repairs, alterations, work and/or
improvements without advertising for or inviting bids.
4. The Superintendent is authorized and directed to take any necessary
action to carry out the terms of this resolution.
I, __________________________, _____________________ of the Governing
Board of the ______________________ District of _______County, State of California,
certify that this Resolution proposed by _________________________________,
seconded by ________________________, was duly passed and adopted by the
Board at an official and public meeting this _______ day of ____________, 20______,
by the following vote:
AYES:___________
NOES:___________
ABSENT:_________
_____________________________________
_________________________ of the Board
of the
District of
________ County, California
APPROVED:
COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF
SCHOOLS
By
Name:
Title:
Date: , 20 .
G:\SLSREF\Business\ResoReDeclarEmergReRepairsWithoutAd4Bids_GH.wpd
(File original and two copies of this resolution with the County Superintendent of Schools with a
letter of request and authorization for the amount of funds to be transferred.)
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Appendix E: Sample Facility Use Fee Schedule
GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT A 1330(h)
FACILITY USE FEE SCHEDULE
Fair Rental
Facility Direct Cost Non-Profit Notes
Value
No lining of fields by Dist. Staff, etc. Post-event
Dirt Practice Fields $15/Day $25/Day $40/Day
clean-up by user group.
Turfed
No lining of fields by Dist. Staff, etc. Post-event
Baseball/Softball $45/Day $55/Day $85/Day
clean up by user group.
Fields
Soccer/Lacrosse No lining of fields by Dist. Staff, etc. Post-event
$35/Day $45/Day $65/Day
Fields(Dirt) clean up by user group.
$80/Hr. w/4-Hr. $90/Hr. w/4Hr. $100/Hr. w/4-
Cafeteria w/Kitchen** Minimum Minimum Hr. Minimum
(Includes one (Includes one (Same Kitchens must be operated, cleaned, and
(Dist. personnel
Food Services Food Service requirements as sanitized by experienced Dist. personnel.**
required)
staff member) staff member) Direct Costs)
Cafeteria w/o $50/Hr. $60/Hr. $75/Hr. Cafeterias must be cleaned and trash emptied by
Kitchen** (No minimum) (No Minimum) (No minimum) user groups.
$10/Hr. $15/Hr. $25/Hr.
Small Classroom
Medium
Classroom/Locker
$15/Hr. $25/Hr $35/Hr.
Room
$45/Hr. $55/Hr. $65/Hr.
Large Classroom
Relocatable
Classroom
$45/Hr. $50/Hr. $55/Hr.
Gymnasium
(Lighted)** $75/Hr. w/4-Hr. $100/Hr. w/4- $125/Hr. w/4- Dist. staff to open/close/clean rest rooms and
w/without Locker Minimum Hr. Minimum Hr. Minimum locker rooms at an additional fee.**
Room/Rest Room
Little Theater/** $125/Hr. w/4- $140/Hr. w/4- $165/Hr. w/4- District staff must operate equipment. Utility
charges are based on current rates and are
Amphitheater Hr. Minimum Hr. Minimum Hr. Minimum
subject to change.**
$175/Hr. w/4- $215/Hr. w/4 $250/Hr. w/4- District staff must operate equipment. Utility
Large Theater** charges are based on current rates and are
Hr. Minimum Hr. Minimum Hr. Minimum
subject to change.**
Synthetic Turf
(Day = 8 hours) A minimum of 2 hours is
and/or $125/Hr. $175/Hr. $250/Hr. required. If stadium lights are requested, $25 per
Rubberized Track hour with a minimum of 4 hours will be charged.
$75/Day $85/Day $100/Day
Parking Lot (Stand-alone use) (Stand-alone use) (Stand-alone use) No charge with facility rental.
Any Facility Used for $850 per ½ Day $850 per ½ Day $850 per ½ Day
District staff member must open/
Commercials/Movies ½ day = 1 -6 ½ day = 1 -6 ½ day = 1 -6
close facility.**
½ Day Hrs. Hrs. Hrs.
Any Facility Used for $1200 per Day $1200 per Day $1200 per Day
Commercials/Movies Day = 7 –12 Day = 7 –12 Day = 7 –12 District staff member must open/close facility.**
Full Day Hrs. Hrs. Hrs.
$40/Hr. $40/Hr. $40/Hr. 4 Hr. minimum.
Custodial/Grounds
$25/day $30/Day $35/day User is responsible for post event clean up
Tennis Courts
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GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT A 1330(h) Cont.
Facility Use Fee Schedule, Continued
Pool Admission
Adults Adults Children (3-17) Children under 3 are free and must be
Recreation
$2.00 $2.00 $1.00 accompanied by an adult.
Swimming
Pool Rentals Short Term $30/Hr. $40 / hour Plus staff costs(If applicable)
Long Term
Pool Rentals (at least three years) $1,250 / month $1,250 / month Plus staff costs(If applicable)
Fair Rental
Facility Direct Cost Non-Profit Notes
Value
G.U.H.S.D. Employees -Free
Annual Passes Adults$70 Adults$70 Adults$70 G.U.H.S.D. Immediate Dependents-
Child $35 Child $35 Child $35 Half Price
Learn to Swim Learn to Swim Learn to Swim
(6-15) (6-15) (6-15)
Lessons $20 / 8 lessons. $20 / 8 lessons. $20 / 8 lessons
--
Tiny Tots (3-5) Tiny Tots (3-5) Tiny Tots (3-5)
$30 / 8 lessons $30 / 8 lessons $30 / 8 lessons
Pool Staff Costs $15 / Hr. Per $15 / Hr. Per $15 / Hr. Per Number of lifeguards to be determined
Lifeguard Lifeguard Lifeguard by Aquatics Supervisor
FACILITY USE APPLICATION FEE –$50per application per fiscal year (NO EXCEPTIONS)
Catering of cafeteria facility use events may be arranged through GUHSD Food Services, (619) 644-8183
**Additional charges may applyand must be pre-arranged with the Manager of School Facilities.
NOTE: Proof of Insurance required as specifiedon the back of Use Form prior to any activity.
NOTE: Employee bargaining units require a minimum of 3 hours be paid for call back after completion of regular
assignment and a minimum of 4 hours will be paid for call back on nonscheduled work assignments.
Category Guidelines
Direct Cost: Covers costs incurred by site for custodial/groundssupplies, utilities, custodial/grounds, grounds
staff, etc. Typical Direct Cost users include:religious services.
Non-Profit: Typical Non-Profit users include: Adult athleticleagues
Fair Rental Value: Fund raising events notassociated with a GUHSD school site where admission fee is charged or
donations are solicited. Typical FRV users include: Church fundraisers, commercial film makers.
Fee Exempt: Youth Sports, site-based club (i.e., Ecology Club, Key Club, etc.) or site-based sports (i.e., football
basketball, baseball, etc.) Fundraisers are fee exempt but may be charged for utilities and/or
custodial/grounds service. Example: Lift-a-thon in the wrestling room as a fundraiser for football
would be fee exempt. ALL FUNDRAISERS MUST BE APPROVED BY SITE A.S.B. AND
ADMINISTRATION.
Out of Season Club sports
Youth “Club Sports.” “Club” is defined as any youth organization that charges a participation fee.
“Club” sports will be charged a yearly fee based on number of participants.
0-25 participants - $100 per year
26-50 participants -$150 per year
51+ participants -$200 per year
Revised: 12/2009
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Appendix F: Study Agreement
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