The Riverside Unified School District Board of Education approved the district’s 2025–26 budget, Local Control and Accountability Plan and the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) annual budget and service plan during the June 26 meeting, voting unanimously on multiple related motions.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Aaron Power presented the 2025–26 budget and highlighted key figures: general‑fund revenues of about $734 million, expenditures near $799 million, a projected ending general‑fund balance of approximately $293 million and an average budgeted amount of $21,348 per student. Power noted the budget includes both unrestricted and restricted sources and that 87.8% of expenditures are budgeted for direct student and classroom support.

The board adopted the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for 2025–26 after a public hearing and staff presentation summarizing the district’s priorities, community engagement and adjustments made during the year. Dr. Perez and staff said the LCAP reflects input gathered in advisory meetings and earlier public hearings.

The board also held and closed the required public hearing for the SELPA annual budget and service plan before approving it. Cindy Hartshorn, coordinator of special education, summarized the SELPA plan and fiscal mix for 2025–26, reporting state contribution at 31.97%, federal at 6.9% and the district local contribution at 61.13% for special‑education funding. Hartshorn said the district serves 5,762 students receiving services and noted neighboring districts face similar funding pressures.

The board approved a resolution designating committed fund balances that align with previously disclosed board commitments — staff identified $156 million in committed funds and described planned, intentional drawdowns including roughly $26 million of one‑time spending for capital and program items (shade structures, site and student needs, classroom technology, staff devices and deferred maintenance).

The board also approved the district’s plan for Education Protection Account (EPA) monies. Assistant Superintendent Power said EPA funding — derived from sales and high‑earner income tax measures tied to LCFF — was budgeted for certificated salaries and benefits; the presentation listed approximately $74.3 million in EPA revenue included in the LCFF figures for 2025–26.

Board members asked staff about contingencies for potential federal action cited by a public commenter during public input; district staff said they were monitoring federal actions and legislative developments and would notify the board if any funds were at risk. Trustees also asked for clarifications on reserves and fund names; staff committed to follow up with precise ledger details requested by commenters.

Votes on these items were unanimous: trustees approved the SELPA plan, adopted the LCAP and approved the budget and fund‑designation resolutions in roll‑call votes during the June 26 meeting.