Despite the state once again postponing revenue payments to California schools, San Ramon Valley education officials say the district has enough money to pay its bills for the next 90 days.

Early last week, California officials said they would defer $2.5 billion in education funds scheduled for distribution in September for as long as three months.

They said the delay is necessary because the state Legislature hasn't passed a budget and the school money is needed to meet the state's debt and pension obligations.

Gary Black, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District's assistant superintendent for business, said the postponement does make it challenging to meet expenses. The district spends $13.9 million a month on salaries and benefits alone.

However, Black said the district does have "internal funds" such as carryover revenue from last year as well as deferred funds that can be temporarily used until the state money arrives. San Ramon Valley also has $6 million in reserve.

In addition, the district has about $30 million in tax and revenue anticipation notes available for short-term, cash flow use. Those funds are similar to a home equity line of credit.

"We're in a better position than most districts," Black said.

The assistant superintendent noted these postponements aren't new. The deferred September money had already been delayed from its original June delivery date. Nonetheless, the postponements are frustrating.

"The state is putting undue pressure on everybody else," said Black. "It keeps shifting the problem downstream without any ramifications at the state level. It's difficult for one to understand."

State Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, D-San Ramon, said Friday it's difficult to predict when a state budget will be approved. She said the governor and some Republican leaders want to cut $2 billion from education funding this year and Democrats like herself won't agree to that reduction.

"I'm not happy with the payment deferments, but I think it's more important to have a budget that protects education, even if takes a month or two longer," said Buchanan.

The assemblywoman added she expects the governor to sign a plan as early as Tuesday to disburse $1.2 billion in federal funds to California schools. The money would be allocated based on enrollment and would be distributed 14 days after it's signed into law.

The money is part of the $26 billion in emergency funds signed by President Obama early this month that is expected to save 300,000 jobs for teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public employees.