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County superintendent outlines state budget changes and warns of federal funding pauses affecting migrant services
Summary
Dr. Mindenborough updated the Kern County Board on recent state budget actions — a $1.9 billion Prop. 98 settlement deferred to 2026–27, a fully funded 2.3% COLA and $1.7 billion returned to discretionary block grants — and said federal programs tied to Title IX matters have been put on hold, creating uncertainty for migrant services.
Dr. Mindenborough told the Kern County Board of Education that recent state budget actions include a $1.9 billion Prop. 98 settlement that is expected to be distributed in the 2026–27 fiscal year, and that the state will fully fund a 2.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for school funding.
“There is a $1,900,000,000 settle up now that is in the budget,” Dr. Mindenborough said in his report, noting that the funds will be portioned to the 2026–27 school year and that the state included a deferral moving funding from June to July. He said $1.7 billion has been restored to a discretionary block grant that districts can use to offset extraordinary costs, and that the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) implementation will change eligibility from 75% unduplicated to 55% and raise the minimum grant to $100,000 for very small districts.
On federal funding, Dr. Mindenborough said several federal programs were put “on notice” and that counties have been told to halt further allocations effective July 1 until matters tied to federal enforcement are resolved. He said migrant-program funding is particularly significant for the county: “The county as a whole receives over $10,000,000 and, and right now we're told to halt everything at this point in time.” The county office plans to continue providing migrant services and is exploring a consortium approach to help districts while awaiting federal clarification.
Dr. Mindenborough also updated trustees on CAC Charter leadership changes, reporting that Greg West accepted the CEO position at CAC Charter effective July 1 and that Joanna Kendrick will continue work on curriculum. Trustees asked for written confirmation of the budget numbers; Dr. Mindenborough said he would circulate documentation provided by his staff.
No formal fiscal action items were taken at this meeting; the report was informational and trustees requested staff follow up with written materials and further updates if federal guidance changes.
