(a) Pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 42127, upon the disapproval of a school district budget by the county superintendent of schools, the county superintendent of schools shall call for the formation of a budget review committee unless the governing board of the school district and the county superintendent of schools agree to waive the requirement that a budget review committee be formed, and the department approves the waiver after determining that a budget review committee is not necessary. Upon the grant of a waiver, the county superintendent of schools has the authority and responsibility provided to a budget review committee in Section 42127.3. Upon approving a waiver of the budget review committee, the department shall ensure that a balanced budget is adopted for the school district by December 31.

(b) The budget review committee shall be composed of three persons selected by the governing board of the school district from a list of candidates provided to the governing board of the school district by the Superintendent. The list of candidates shall be composed of persons who have expertise in the management of a school district or county office of education. Their experience shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the fiscal and educational aspects of local educational agency management.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b) or any other provision of this article, with the approval of the Superintendent and the governing board of the school district, the county superintendent of schools may select and convene a regional review committee, consisting of persons having the expertise described in subdivision (b). The regional review committee shall operate in place of the budget review committee, in accordance with the provisions of this article governing budget review committees.

(d) Members of the committee shall be reimbursed by the department for their services and associated expenses while on official business at rates established by the state board.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 186, Sec. 44. (AB 2659) Effective January 1, 2017.)