Special districts may cross over many city and county boundaries as the voters approve. Special districts were formed to raise revenue to provide a service that is not being offered residents by existing city or county jurisdictions. Most special districts are governed by five-member boards, while other powerful special districts such as the Metropolitan Water District has a board of 52 members. Special districts can be general law, while others are governed under special legislative enactments. Dependent Boards Members are appointed by city or county government Enterprise Districts Districts that charge just service users for the benefit provided Non-Enterprize Districts Districts that apportion costs of services to all taxpayers regardless of the level of service used.
Most special districts focus on a single function.
For example - water, mosquito abatement, airport operation, or fire protection. Private colleges, private universities, California State Universities and University of California are NOT part of school districts. They have their own governing boards. The board also adopts the school budget and determines the curriculum. Review the structure of city government.