[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6199615,"mediaKeyId","3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b","parentId",3825008,"title","Board amends CBO contract to align vacation accrual with Education Code","audioSeconds",96,"startMs",4860000,"endMs",4956000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b&start=4860&end=4956","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b/thumbnail_4860000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6199615/California/Board-amends-CBO-contract-to-align-vacation-accrual-with-Education-Code","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199615-368c8b0e9ac80a33908a7d5c9ae39182/orig.mp4?Expires=1770420331&Signature=m5yTVRj2nD0455jcvHwt-weHakcCPiExh4znFBJVjTvgokdnY7o3iQVnxxbBkhGgkLbGhPk95oDS7oz~OnI4vmVAC3qR-QAcOaMt3AwAC-0gc8QkqhnUVKRN-E5-RI4mJAI0qpaJI3jdKF~jeW-DuXI~ZpNbwnP8uuPetTCUGNeuMlT-4XQ4IaBRAO-wIWvQEgZ5OsqQTj6jbnGd9U03QPSXolUwgWiLXoLDa4nizUBGL4L1pIxED31S8nJoMHgLYMo5yd6zJ7RCL9wmyJDfwTX7NGFiDvc7lxC2T3iWJDatBuzT6IWSYHRr6s9HylDSS2KKSGEs3mxd0CJOocD93A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-13T14:40:02Z","article","Benicia — The Benicia Unified School District board approved an amended contract June 12 for the district’s chief business official to align the contract’s vacation-leave language with state Education Code requirements.

Dr. Jennings, staff member, told trustees the amended language removes references to a positive work calendar and adds vacation accrual consistent with the Education Code requirement that classified employees — including classified management — receive annual vacation leave at the regular rate of pay. He said the amendment mirrors language from the prior chief business official’s contract and ensures compliance with state law.

Trustees moved to approve the amended contract agreement for the chief business official and the motion passed by voice vote. Dr. Jennings noted the amendment’s specific change: removal of the positive-work-calendar language and inclusion of vacation accrual for classified management.

The board did not discuss any additional changes to the contract beyond the stated alignment with Education Code language.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BUSD Board Meeting 6/12/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees approved an amended contract for the district chief business official to align contract language with state Education Code accrual requirements for vacation leave for classified employees, including management.","taxTitle","Benicia Unified, School Districts, California","taxId",60739,"location","California","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6199620,"Board approves several special-education and English-learner curriculum adoptions",0,4128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b&start=4128&end=4128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b/thumbnail_4128000.jpg","/articles/6199620/California/Board-approves-several-special-education-and-English-learner-curriculum-adoptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199620-9c15179a21bc07619431aa54038f00f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770420331&Signature=WQrR7n1Te4KJQIcI8e4TQjoXkKEqz9lNxEpe8YJROwCj4ucfk9jB1Yx56b5kxUnSHuOHH72TmwilVbzCS4Jq4Mh8IgZjir~BYHt1Im~DRZKK4~bhyYd1fr99lf0fIDWMxRrIHFmGMFOTBfow~~XlmcbDP3-YRj4COdDRtDzQll3wynlPMYpEbPDtUzaY9ARt93ojaG4xrnLQaQyJDNGFmAgJLn8VkI7IhpJxoZQbxiLO8HcNJstgKzetksb8tst~yvTZ1T0ZOUxUWrffbJLrFXjKKsjBX3XZ2gICRAs6vXnGnH3HUbdBBpi88gGEJvLb47tknpbTZN4bs3oA-G5NxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Benicia — The Benicia Unified School District board approved a slate of curriculum adoptions June 12 intended to support students in special education, intensive-academic programs and newcomer English-learner courses.

Stephanie Rice, director of education services, presented six proposed adoptions and explained the intended uses and target students. The board approved each adoption by voice vote.

Rice said MobyMax (MobyMax Education) will be used in elementary and middle-school intensive academic programs to provide digital, assessment-driven instruction emphasizing grade-level science and social studies content and supplemental support in ELA and math. She said elementary and middle-school special-education teachers recommended the adoption.

Number Worlds (McGraw Hill) was presented as an intervention program for elementary and middle-school intensive academic programs; Rice said the program uses diagnostic assessment to target specific standards (for example, place value) and combines manipulatives with digital supports.

SPIRE (EPS Learning) was described as a structured, Orton-Gillingham–aligned reading program for elementary and middle-school resource and intensive-academic programs and as a research-based tier‑3 reading intervention appropriate for students with dyslexia.

LanguageTree Online was presented for middle- and high-school newcomer English learners and for dually identified students; Rice said it includes audio, video and assessment formats that align with the ELPAC and allow students to practice listening and speaking with recorded playback.

Unique Learning Systems (ULS) by Everway was recommended for elementary RISE programs and high-school functional academic classes; Rice said ULS delivers core-content lessons (ELA, math, science, history) at individualized levels and includes social-emotional learning supports.

Finally, Hands-On English (Ballard & Tighe) was presented as a hands-on ELD curriculum for elementary dually identified students in RISE programs; Rice said some kits are available from existing materials and there was no new cost for the initial rollout.

Trustees moved to adopt each curriculum as presented. Board members and Rice thanked special-education and intensive-academic teachers for their input and for bringing forward programs aligned to the needs of students with individualized education programs.","Trustees approved multiple curriculum adoptions for intensive academic, resource and newcomer programs, including MobyMax, Number Worlds, SPIRE, LanguageTree Online, Unique Learning Systems and Hands-On English to support special education and newcomer English learners.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6199625,"Board approves temporary construction easement for Mary Farmer Elementary pedestrian bridge",3347,1193000,4540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b&start=1193&end=4540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b/thumbnail_1193000.jpg","/articles/6199625/California/Board-approves-temporary-construction-easement-for-Mary-Farmer-Elementary-pedestrian-bridge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199625-d7aaf578969de0d52271f255d95b9f16/orig.mp4?Expires=1770420331&Signature=W0UOXgM2JW2dwdZBTGdXPLSXFTOpneXFWh~BjviZvcKQnWmaDejhKv1tVl~or9Y1Jkn8k4Q35N1DRzeR0LodTzWfsd0rdAWR-I9-GcgaebZAvUChu91bqLqLjXtru0r4Y88IeB~jY2uaEtrAGALuRaaN~lHOCDf0CoFZhMVAlph9bpWelluWK8tk1KLINJoUvBAagJu-EXiR2X0Da63wUWy4bWxRbKHOW5RvmHiKwuKkENBg1A5KmYE8GSmfNB1fpvOHmkUyFB~Wdi8f49kY-wNs49eBVkVy3yRQZC-4G4XXpmFGIchqDSJ3t4tuV2zQCZhP~rJiqeSMAYEnfJnulA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Benicia — The Benicia Unified School District board voted June 12 to adopt a resolution conveying a temporary construction easement to the city of Benicia to allow replacement of the pedestrian bridge at Mary Farmer Elementary School.

Miss Egan, staff member, described the project as city-funded and city-contracted; the scope covers replacement of the pedestrian bridge and adjacent walkway improvements with a target completion of late fall 2025, “barring unforeseen conditions.” Staff recommended the board approve the resolution and award the temporary construction easement to the city.

During the discussion trustees asked about the easement term and insurance. Egan said the construction easement runs with the construction; it terminates when the city files its notice of completion, and one of the project stipulations requires the city to return any staging or access areas to conditions equal to or better than preconstruction. She also confirmed the city will carry insurance for the project.

A motion to adopt the resolution and award the temporary construction easement passed unanimously.

The project, as described by staff, is expected to benefit the Mary Farmer community and the city by improving pedestrian access to the school; the city will construct and contract the work, and the district will host the temporary easement during construction.","Trustees approved a resolution conveying a temporary construction easement to the city of Benicia so the city can replace the pedestrian bridge at Mary Farmer Elementary; the easement ends at notice of project completion and the city must restore staged areas.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6199629,"Benicia Unified projects enrollment decline and multiyear budget pressure in proposed 2025–26 budget",1546,2420000,3966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b&start=2420&end=3966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b/thumbnail_2420000.jpg","/articles/6199629/California/Benicia-Unified-projects-enrollment-decline-and-multiyear-budget-pressure-in-proposed-202526-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199629-9b9be5176888c0a6759afd9614284717/orig.mp4?Expires=1770420331&Signature=kqUR6FmkZ9n34pWp~lF8pGahUk-coR3TjW80PyzCZ8~aA5bOtvWjzRpsxXjvCd6wQnc74ongENFKRAkmr8PcolosSZd5QogHwooLOKTnweJV79sN9s5~UmoY~0MP5jZyWE3a5S-9~Q3wp~bt7sTRBOOJ1gZPQtkE4xlyVGV76h3DeLEixoBQ7xvJh-MbvcgpRCjhgJ9WsLXCq6tgIu86sbIHeXyNi0fjPz0vG7mZ~pjIZPZ43IXpNBu1b73G3IQHaYopCMJZPdwlgRRIg4P62szxGvZtn0bueevS6fUrX91j2EFhHfoQF3x~IFIAGvwriUR-DTqM7VXnbMpNQrJc-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Benicia — The Benicia Unified School District presented its proposed 2025–26 budget and multiyear projections June 12, warning trustees that projected enrollment declines and the end of one-time state grants will create ongoing budget pressure in coming years.

Ms. Barrington, staff member (business office), said the district’s average daily attendance (ADA) approached 95% this year but projected enrollment is declining; the presentation used an estimated enrollment of approximately 4,284 for 2025–26 and projected enrollment could fall to about 3,900 by 2028–29 as larger cohorts move out and fewer births are occurring locally.

The budget relies on the Local Control Funding Formula as the district’s largest revenue source and assumes a 2.3% cost-of-living adjustment adopted in the May revision. Barrington noted that because the state’s funding calculations use prior-year ADA to “hold harmless” districts in part, the district should see the stated COLA for 2025–26 but declining ADA will reduce future-year revenue growth compared with COLA increases.

Key figures presented included a beginning unrestricted general-fund balance of about $7.8 million for 2025–26; projected deficit spending of roughly $1.6 million in 2025–26 if current assumptions hold; and projected reserves of 9.38% at the end of 2025–26. Multiyear projections showed reserves falling to about 7.73% in 2026–27 and 6.25% in 2027–28 under current assumptions, at which point the district could no longer sustain the board’s target of one month’s payroll in reserve.

Barrington summarized revenue sources beyond LCFF: federal Title programs (Title I) and IDEA special education funding, local rents/leases (including cell towers), mandated block grants, lottery revenue, Medi-Cal billing, and revenue from Proposition 28 for arts. She said the district is not in the higher concentration funding tier because unduplicated pupil percentage is below 55 percent and noted some state trailer-bill language (ELOP thresholds) remains uncertain.

On expenditures, the district factored in rising pension contributions (PERS and STRS), step-and-column salary increases, an increased workers’ compensation rate, and a projected CPI of about 3.42% for supplies and services. Barrington reminded trustees that 3% of actual expenditures must be set aside for routine restricted maintenance and that portions of LCFF are earmarked for supplemental purposes and the Education Protection Account.

Barrington said the district will adopt a positive budget next week and then close the books June 30; the business office will return audited actuals in September and revise 2025–26 as needed. Trustees asked questions about long-term enrollment, the Rose Estates development timeline and whether new housing would affect future enrollment; Barrington said construction was unlikely to begin for a couple of years per city council comments and that the district will update projections as enrollment information changes.

No formal budget adoption vote took place June 12; trustees were asked to consider adoption at the June 17 meeting to meet the June 30 statutory deadline for an adopted budget.","The district presented the 2025–26 proposed budget and multiyear projections, reporting a projected enrollment decline, reliance on LCFF funding, a planned deficit for 2025–26 of about $1.6 million, and reserves that fall below board targets in later years unless conditions change.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6199634,"Benicia Unified holds public hearing on draft 2025-26 LCAP; staff to return for adoption",1332,1271000,2603000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b&start=1271&end=2603","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3825008-caa7453a65cb301cada4adf3d4b3ec8b/thumbnail_1271000.jpg","/articles/6199634/California/Benicia-Unified-holds-public-hearing-on-draft-2025-26-LCAP-staff-to-return-for-adoption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6199634-a5c385c4605bf988d11aabe490c94d2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770420331&Signature=VJwwTqkimvcd16Gcp4YGJd79sFFfBI0H-JJ5Yr0U2OcpfjsMQBNa2~lpnNXFMO0WtgDhZ1pZ8XcPG3ITGbokOamfF0gxNbVelPCCvjzq91gUsZrs5Xq7FLM68WvMgt-NkPzHu2ovQ88yJtiSzgMIxx1A-hsfeHzSGXiIiTrH-VlrGuy-PX-wG0BG5Oer2zxLE83nQJiNA-iXkSmPN8-gjrBtdZa8QBPvjlykT0OOfgi-xfWVjbonee~yv4-REU9F~w4vcuKFi0kae9cyxfzI35DAACXI8RMaPtF5r7ZCXooHHoU5OD5Twhj30glf27ACJAdnYOM85KX9C6yrTkIvyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Benicia — The Benicia Unified School District held a public hearing June 12 on its draft Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for the 2025–26 school year and staff recommended the board consider formal adoption at the governing-board meeting next Tuesday after any public comments are incorporated.

Dr. Beatson, staff member, gave an overview of the draft LCAP, outlining the district’s four unchanged LCAP goals (sense of belonging and equity; literacy and humanities; math and STEAM; and supports/interventions) and the process the district follows under the Local Control Funding Formula to tie funding to actions and measurable results. She said the plan includes annual updates, metrics and local indicators, actions and services, an “increased and improved services” section for unduplicated pupils, and a budget summary.

The hearing matters because the LCAP explains how Benicia Unified proposes to spend state LCFF dollars — including supplemental funds that must target low-income students, students experiencing homelessness and English learners — and because next year will be the last year for several one-time state grants the district used since 2020. The district must adopt a final LCAP before the county and state review and approve the plan.

In presenting the annual update, Dr. Beatson said most actions from the current-year LCAP were implemented but noted a few adjustments: the district offered fewer parent workshops than planned and intentionally paused a districtwide grading-for-equity revitalization due to capacity constraints. She highlighted improvement in satisfaction survey responses (from 55% in 2022 to 94.2% most recently), declines in chronic absenteeism and improved graduation rates for students with disabilities, and reduced suspension rates.

Staff also identified some targeted needs: the district has not yet filled a college-and-career center position at Benicia High School; long-term English learners are a newly tracked subgroup on California’s dashboard; and two schools are in federal additional targeted support and intervention status for suspension indicators and thus require monitoring and improvement plans.

Dr. Beatson reviewed funding sources that support LCAP actions: LCFF formula funds, supplemental funds, Title I, one-time state and federal grants (including COVID-era one-time grant dollars the district stretched over multiple years), donations and Proposition 28 arts funding. She warned that roughly $14,000,000 in one-time state grants the district received beginning in 2020 is nearly exhausted and next year will be the last year to spend those dollars.

As a result of funding changes, the presentation listed actions that will not continue in the 2025–26 LCAP unless alternative funding is found: additional teachers that had prevented combination classes at some elementaries, a 20% math coach position at the middle school, a dedicated college-and-career counseling position at Benicia High School, certain literacy-intervention sections, and an elementary STEAM program formerly supported by a Valero donation. Dr. Beatson said the district will form a team to explore other funding sources for programs such as the elementary STEAM initiative.

Dr. Beatson also said the district was accepted into a state grant focused on equity and inclusion professional development; she said the grant includes coaching and will provide some funding for local professional learning.

No public speakers addressed the LCAP during the hearing; Dr. Beatson recommended the board receive public input over the coming days and return the draft for adoption at the next meeting. The board did not take a final vote on the LCAP during the June 12 session.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the three-year LCAP cycle and the district’s outreach; Dr. Beatson said the district updates the LCAP annually and conducts expanded outreach in the full LCAP rewrite cycle.

If the board adopts the LCAP next week, the plan will move to the Solano County Office of Education for county-level review and then to the state for final approval.

Documents and the full draft LCAP were included in the board packet for trustee review.","District staff presented the draft Local Control and Accountability Plan for 2025–26, reviewed goals and required state priorities, and recommended returning the plan for formal adoption next week after public input; several previously one-time-funded programs will not continue in the next LCAP.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board amends CBO contract to align vacation accrual with Education Code

Board approves several special-education and English-learner curriculum adoptions

Board approves temporary construction easement for Mary Farmer Elementary pedestrian bridge

Benicia Unified projects enrollment decline and multiyear budget pressure in proposed 2025–26 budget

Benicia Unified holds public hearing on draft 2025-26 LCAP; staff to return for adoption