Board approves budgets, policies and agreements; closed session decisions reported

CARPINTERIA, Calif. — The Carpinteria Unified School District Board of Trustees on Sept. 9 took a series of routine and substantive actions, approving budget reports, policy readings and district agreements while reporting the outcome of two closed‑session matters.

The board voted to accept the district's unaudited actuals for fiscal year 2024–25, adopt required annual declarations and reports, and approve routine consent items including donations and a notice of completion for portable removal at two elementary schools. Trustees also approved the district's new artificial‑intelligence board policy on its second reading and authorized a renewed early‑college College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) agreement with Santa Barbara City College.

Why it matters: The unaudited financial results and related resolutions determine the district's baseline for the coming budget year, indicate the district's reserve level, and formalize agreements that affect course availability for high school students. Policy adoptions shape local classroom practices, including how staff and students may use AI tools.

Key actions taken - Accepted the 2024–25 unaudited actuals for the general fund and related reports (approved). The district reported an unrestricted ending fund balance of about $2.1 million and an ending general‑fund balance of about $4.9 million; the unrestricted fund equals about a 5.1% reserve and includes the state‑required minimum reserve of 3%. - Adopted board policy BP 0441 (Artificial Intelligence) on its second reading (approved), directing staff and teachers to develop site‑level protocols for AI use and training plans. - Approved first readings of BP/AR 6141.2 (Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs) and BP/AR 6142.1 (Comprehensive Health and HIV/AIDS prevention instruction) reflecting changes prompted by recent case law cited at the meeting (first readings approved). - Approved Resolution 25‑939 (sufficiency of textbooks/instructional materials for 2025–26) and held the required public hearing on textbook availability (approved). - Approved Resolution 25‑940 adopting the 2024–25 Gann limit calculation (approved). - Approved the 2024–25 Prop 28 annual report on arts and music funding and multiple gifts and donations from community partners (approved). - Approved warrants for 08/08/2025 through 09/04/2025 in the amount of $1,130,878.84 (approved). - Approved a notice of completion for removal of portables at Aliso and Canalino elementary schools under Measure U (approved). - Approved recommended personnel actions including one retirement, multiple resignations and co‑curricular/coaching assignments (approved).

Closed session report The board reported two closed‑session outcomes: a unanimous vote to deny a residency appeal in a confidential student matter and a unanimous vote to uphold ‘‘Sisk’s’’ decision in existing litigation, as summarized in the meeting's closed‑session report. The board did not provide additional public detail beyond the stated outcomes.

How trustees voted Roll calls or voice votes were recorded on the consent agenda, policies and resolutions. Where the public record showed a unanimous or roll‑call outcome, minutes record the approval; several consent items were approved as presented, with one item (Measure U citizens' bond oversight committee report) removed from the agenda.

What’s next Items approved tonight establish the baseline for year‑ahead budgeting and program delivery and authorize staff to carry out the adopted agreements and policies. The board also scheduled onboarding for a board‑appointed vacancy (oath of office planned for Oct. 14) and will bring additional Measure U and budget updates to future meetings.