Dozens of speakers demand answers and accountability at Round Lake board meeting over $11 million shortfall

A large group of community members used the board's public-comment period to demand explanations and to call for accountability after administrators disclosed the district's FY25 budget shortfall. Several speakers said the shortfall threatens classroom services, extracurricular programs and jobs.

Maria Delourdes Ruiz Montoya, who identified herself as a school psychologist and former district employee, said she was "really angry at what's gonna happen for our students" and pressed leaders to show more action beyond statements of gratitude. Steven Ladwig, an alumnus and community organizer, said the community "stand[s] with our teachers and the teachers union" and urged the board to seek solutions without sacrificing staff and programs. Multiple other commentators called for a public hearing and for board accountability; some urged board resignations and salary or benefit reductions for administrators if cuts to staff occur.

Speakers raised specific concerns: Inez Jimenez and Anna Vasquez asked whether speech therapy and other special-education services would continue; Vicky Granado highlighted ventilation and mold concerns at Round Lake Middle School and asked whether facilities work would continue; Juan Ruiz and others said transportation has repeatedly failed families and urged immediate fixes. Several commenters noted surprise at the timing and scale of the notice and asked why an emergency hearing was not called once the district learned of the shortfall.

Board leadership responded during the meeting by saying staff would compile questions submitted during public comment, meet individually with concerned residents and consult on whether to convene a special public hearing. Administrators and the superintendent repeatedly said they would provide details when a proposed solution is ready but resisted an extended back-and-forth at the public meeting itself, citing the structure of formal board meetings.

No formal board action was taken during public comment; the board later convened a recess and returned to business, including consideration of the tentative FY26 budget and other items.

The tone of the public-comment period was frequently confrontational and emotional; speakers combined demands for transparency with appeals to prioritize students and teachers when the board considers cuts or other corrective actions.