Business Services

Business Services is committed to serving the fiscal and operational needs of the Cambrian School District's departments and schools. This unit develops, monitors, and coordinates the district’s budget and accounting systems including:

Budget Planning and Adoption
Fiscal Reporting to federal, state and county agencies and programs
Accounts Receivable and Payables
Vendor Contracting Oversight
Payroll Processing and Record Keeping
Employee Benefits Management
Risk Management and Insurance
Attendance Reporting

Cambrian School District utilizes effective cash management, accounting, and auditing practices to remain compliant with generally accepted account principles and governmental account standards.

Statewide School Facilities Bond Program

During fiscal year 2016-17, the District started a project to obtain significant funding under the new Statewide School Facilities Bond program that came into existence with the passage of Proposition 51 (2016). Under this program, and based on the work completed by staff and the consultant group - School Facilities Consultant, the District were eligible for up to $8.55 million in new construction and modernization dollars. Of course these dollars came with restrictions and a requirement for the District to split the cost on any approved project with the State.

Clean Audit Opinions

As of June 2015, the District obtained a clean audit opinion each year as a district for over a decade. This means that all controls are in place and effective and that the numbers included in our annual financial reports accurately reflect the district financial position and annual results. We like to thank the entire Cambrian staff for this continued success in solid fiscal management.

Measure I: Dollars Saving The District Money

On June 3, 2014, voters residing within the Cambrian School District passed Measure I. Measure I is a $39 million bond measure that authorizes funding for needed repairs, upgrades, and new construction projects to the District’s schools. Proposition 39 required a 55% majority for approval; Measure I was passed by 72.47%.
With the use of Measure I funds the District completed the construction of solar canopy structures at all 5 active school sites and the District Office. The solar canopies will produce about 85% of our electrical power needs on an annual basis. This is expected to result in the District saving over $280,000 in our first 12 month period and potentially increase each year thereafter. We expect to average over $465,000 in annual savings over the next 25 years.

Successful Refinancing Saving The Community Money

Once again the District continued its good stewardship of public dollars. In October 2013, the District was able to save taxpayers $1.14 million by refinancing a portion of other outstanding debt (the Series A 2003 Bonds). To learn more, read through the GFSI (Governmental Financial Strategies, Inc.) presentations disclosed during the Thursday, September 18, 2014 and Thursday, October 3, 2013 Board meeting.

Measure I Website

February Facilities Update

Cambrian's Master Facilities Plan

Parcel Tax - General Information

MEASURE BB

Measure BB is the continuation (with no changes) of Measure H, a parcel tax of $94.24 per-parcel/year approved by Cambrian School District voters in June 2018, which supports Transitional Kindergarten through eighth grade students by attracting and retaining quality teachers, continuing core programs in math, science, engineering, technology, reading, music and the arts. Maintaining class sizes and providing physical education programs that promote student health and fitness.

Measure BB Ballot Question:

“Advisory Vote Only. To continue to provide Cambrian neighborhood elementary and middle school students with stable funding for instruction in math, science, reading, engineering, technology, and arts, retaining highly qualified teachers, and maintaining manageable class sizes, should Cambrian School District continue the annual parcel tax that was approved by 67 percent of voters in 2018 (with no changes), with exemptions for seniors, no funds for administrators’ salaries, and every dollar benefitting Cambrian children?”

Measure BB Summary – Proceeds from Measure BB may be used to:

Attract and retain highly qualified teachers and support staff who specialize in technology
Continue funding for advanced and core programs in math, science, engineering and technology
Support funding for advanced and core programs in reading, music and the arts
Maintain manageable class sizes
Provide ongoing training and skills development for teachers and staff
Continue funding for physical education programs that promote student health and fitness

Taxpayer Protections:

All Measure BB funds stay local to support CSD instructional programs
The State cannot take Measure BB funding away.
No funds are allowed for administrators' salaries or pensions.
Mandatory annual audits ensure the funds are used as promised.
An exemption from the tax is available for senior property owners 65 years and older.

Click here to see Frequently Asked Questions about Measure BB

For more information contact Dr. John Pappalardo, Chief Financial Officer via email: pappalardoj@cambriansd.com.

MEASURE A

On March 6, 2001, 68.4% of the voters in the Cambrian School District approved Measure A, a parcel tax that improves children's academic performance, helps to limit class size, improves teaching quality, and expands art, science, music, technology, and physical education. This parcel tax took effect on July 1, 2001 and is adjusted annually by changes in the Consumer Price Index for the Bay Area.

The parcel tax generated approximately $823,6660 for the 2018-19 fiscal year (June 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019).

A parcel is defined as any unit of land within the District's boundaries that now receives a separate tax bill from the Santa Clara County Tax Collector's Office. For more details by phone, please call 408-377-2103 and ask for our Controller within our Business Department

An exemption shall be granted for any parcel owned by one or more persons 65 years of age or over who occupies said parcel as a principal residence, upon annual application for exemption. All property that is exempt from ad valorem property tax shall be exempt from this special tax. Parcel tax exemption application or exemption renewal for the 2019-20 fiscal year are due by May 31, 2019. See links below for the necessary forms that need to be completed. Forms should be submitted IN PERSON to the District Office located at 4115 Jacksol Drive in San Jose, attention: Controller, Business Department.

Complete Text of Measure A

MEASURE H

Voters in the Cambrian School District approved Measure H, a parcel tax that took effect July 1, 2018, and generates $736,512 for improvements within the District, including funding for math, science, reading, engineering, technology, and arts, to retain highly qualified teachers and maintain class sizes. This parcel tax is adjusted annually by changes in the Consumer Price Index for the Bay Area.