THE STATE OF California has unexpectedly coughed up another $13.4 million for San Francisco this year, and Sup. Tom Ammiano, with the support of Mayor Gavin Newsom, is proposing that the money go directly to the school district. In general that's a fine idea: The city has grave financial problems, but the school district's situation is even more dire (and the district has far less ability to raise revenue through taxes or fees). In fact, the district is so short of cash that it's closing schools and forcing staff into involuntary furloughs.

The details of the plan are a bit complicated. In essence, the city would be giving the district an advance on money that is slated to be allocated next year under Proposition H, a 2003 law that allows the city to send cash to schools for certain programs. Some, like school board member Jill Wynns, argue that the district should refuse to spend the money a year early, but the cash infusion would actually give the schools more flexibility – and could prevent some painful cuts this year.

But the supervisors shouldn't just hand the money over without some very clear conditions that ensure accountability and transparency in the way the district operates.

We're getting increasingly nervous about Supt. Arlene Ackerman. Her tendency toward arrogance and isolation has become more and more pronounced lately; as we reported June 29, she won't even meet with board members who criticize her, won't meet with the teachers union, and lashes out at students who dare to challenge her policies.

But the biggest problem with giving her more money is that she still refuses to comply with the city's Sunshine Ordinance – or even accept modestly increased calls for openness in the district.

And as Robert Haaland, a staffer with Service Employees International Union Local 790, points out on his lively and useful blog, www.leftinsf.com, there's no independent auditor checking the district's spending or analyzing the budget.

So this is a great opportunity for the supervisors – who have no direct authority over the schools – to demand some reforms. It's simple: The board should offer to turn over the $13.4 million, if, and only if, the school board agrees to the following:

• Adopt a resolution to put the district under the Sunshine Ordinance (except where that law conflicts with student privacy rights or the state education code).

• Hire an independent budget analyst.

• Direct Ackerman to rescind her gag order, which requires all school district staff to inform her office in advance before talking to the press or the public.

Those are all easy steps that should be no-brainers for the school board. We'd love to see the schools get another $13 million. The supervisors should say: Take a couple of minor steps towards accountability, and the money's yours.