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Kern County schools staff outline state budget changes and federal Title IX enforcement uncertainty affecting migrant services
Summary
County staff reported state budget adjustments including a Prop 98 settlement and restored discretionary funding, and warned of federal Title IX enforcement activity that has put some federal programs on notice; the county expects to continue migrant services while awaiting clarity on federal allocations.
County staff updated trustees on recent state budget changes and on federal uncertainty related to Title IX enforcement that could affect certain federal program allocations. The briefing covered a Prop 98 settlement, cost-of-living adjustments and a plan to maintain migrant-program services locally while federal decisions are pending.
Dr. Mindenborough told the board that the state budget includes a $1.9 billion Prop 98 set-aside that will be paid in the 2026-27 school year, and that the state has incorporated a $1.9 billion deferral moving funds from June to July to balance the year. He said the budget restores a full COLA of 2.3% for districts and returns about $1.7 billion to a discretionary block grant (an increase from a previously proposed lower amount). The staff briefing also described final implementation plans for Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOP), including changes to unduplicated student thresholds and a higher minimum grant to support smaller districts.
On federal funding, Dr. Mindenborough said the U.S. Department of Education had put several federal programs "on notice" and that some allocations were being held while legal and enforcement issues tied to Title IX were resolved. He said the migrant program for the county is significant and that the county as a whole receives over $10,000,000 for migrant services; staff told districts they plan to continue services and are exploring consortium arrangements to bridge funding while awaiting federal clarity. "We are still in limbo in regards to the federal dollars," he said.
Trustees also heard administrative updates: Greg West, former administrator of the county's integrated data system, began July 1 as CEO of CAC Charter; Joanna Kendrick will continue in curriculum-related duties. Board members asked for written budget materials and staff said they would circulate documents shared in the briefing.
No formal board fiscal decisions were taken at the meeting; staff provided direction and said they would send written summaries to the trustees ahead of future meetings.
