Smarter Balanced Seeks New Fiscal Agent

By sbadmin | October 10, 2016

Recently, the University of California at Los Angeles informed the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium it will no longer serve as our fiscal agent. Our three-year agreement ends on June 30, 2017.

What does that mean? See the facts below.

  • There will be no interruption in service to Smarter Balanced members. This is a behind-the-scenes administrative issue. Our members are aware of this and have not expressed concern.
  • Smarter Balanced is currently talking to numerous potential partners, primarily in the University of California system. We hope to secure a new partner as quickly as possible.
  • We are in a strong financial position. Smarter Balanced will continue receiving revenue from its members and has a reserve fund sufficient to cover all essential operations for at least 24 months.
  • Under our agreement with UCLA, Smarter Balanced receives human resources support, including approving job descriptions and payroll activities. Additionally, requests for proposals and contracts are processed through the UCLA purchasing system.