SDLA Compliance Resource
County Superintendent Approves Qualifying School-District LCAPs
An operational guide to the approval decision step in the 2026–27 LCAP accountability cycle.
In Plain Language: Complete the statutory review and approve a district LCAP when the budget is approvable and the plan satisfies expenditure, template, and increased-or-improved-services approval criteria.
Why this matters
Approval is a reasoned oversight decision, not a ceremonial receipt. The record should show how the county resolved material program and fiscal questions.
Primary ownership
Primary owner: county superintendent and LCAP/fiscal review team. Partners: district superintendent, LCAP and business leads, county counsel, and records staff.
Operational workflow
- 1. Reconcile the final reviewed LCAP with the district budget and amendments.
- 2. Close or document every clarification and recommendation item.
- 3. Complete the formal approval-criteria checklist and supervisory review.
- 4. Issue and transmit the approval decision by October 8.
- 5. Archive the review record and hand continuing issues to monitoring/technical assistance.
Implementation pathway
Evidence to retain
- Final reviewed LCAP and budget
- Closed issue matrix
- Approval-criteria checklist
- Signed approval and delivery proof
- Technical-assistance/monitoring handoff
Official guidance and help
- CDE Local Control and Accountability PlanCurrent templates, instructions, and resources
- CDE LCFF Frequently Asked QuestionsState review and approval context
- Education Code section 52062District consultation, hearing, adoption, submission, and posting
- Education Code section 52070County review, clarification, recommendations, and approval
Source review completed August 30, 2026. Verify the current CDE template, instructions, statutory dates, reviewing-authority procedures, and local meeting calendar before acting.