According to a recent statewide public opinion poll, special districts provide the most efficient, responsive local services to California communities and yet they have been a frequent target in the media and the Legislature. Special districts are accused of being invisible and unaccountable. The Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) has developed the Districts of Distinction program to help dispel these misperceptions by providing districts with a proactive avenue to demonstrate their viability as a provider of effective local public service.

What is required for the Districts of Distinction program?

• Implement sound policies and procedures
  Policies and procedures should focus on governance, ethics, board conduct, district finances, reserves, etc. ACWA has a series of guidelines available to help in formulating sound policies, and samples are available on the SDLF website at www.sdlf.org.

• Board of Directors has completed Governance Foundations within last five years Governance Foundations is the first course in CSDA’s Special District Governance Academy.As the SDLF-endorsed premier core governance training, this course is required for an accreditation in governance. SDLF will also accept full-day governance trainings offered by any of the SDLF sponsoring organizations that adhere to governance training guidelines.

• Clean audits for at least last three years “Clean audits” means the district has no negative management letters from its auditor within the last three years. The new requirements under GASB 34 address the audit issues necessary for the program.

• Board of Directors and executive staff (at least GM, plus senior staff--district to define) go through ethics training Any ethics course may qualify for this requirement provided it means the standards set forth under AB 1234 (Salinas).

What do the districts get that successfully complete the program?

• Districts completing the program will earn the “District of Distinction” designation; the right to use the program’s seal on district materials; a plaque honoring their accomplishment and promotion to media and the legislature.

When will the program launch?

• Applications for the program are being accepted now, and are available at www.sdlf.org.

How long is the accreditation valid?

• The Districts of Distinction designation is valid for two years. At that time, districts may submit an application for renewal, provided all the program elements continue to be met.

How much will it cost to earn the designation “District of Distinction”?

• Cost of participation in the program will be a on sliding scale, with some districts paying as little as $200.