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San Marino Unified adopts balanced 2025–26 budget, moves $2 million into cash-flow reserve and creates committed stabilization fund
Summary
The San Marino Unified School District board on June 24 adopted a balanced 2025–26 budget, approved a $2 million interfund transfer to a cash‑flow fund, and passed a resolution committing $3.5 million for fiscal stabilization and $2.5 million for declining enrollment.
San Marino Unified School District trustees on June 24 adopted the district's proposed 2025'26 budget and approved related reserve actions designed to protect cash flow and future fiscal stability.
The board voted to transfer $2,000,000 from the general fund to a cash-flow fund (Fund 17.2) and adopted Resolution No. 18, which establishes committed reserves of $3,500,000 for fiscal stabilization and $2,500,000 for declining enrollment. Trustees also approved the district's 2025'26 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the overall district budget as part of the meeting's action items.
District Chief Business Official Dr. Steven Choi told the board the proposed budget is balanced for 2025'26 and through the next two fiscal years, helped by increased enrollment and average daily attendance. Choi said a $2 million interfund transfer is meant to protect the district from possible state cash deferrals and provide short-term liquidity. "The cash flow fund serves as a strategic reserve specifically designated to cover short term cash needs," Choi said.
The budget presentation noted the district projects a total funded ADA of 3,018.23 and an unduplicated pupil percentage of 19.28%. Salaries and benefits remain the largest expenditure category; one-time equipment and capital purchases from 2024'25 (air-conditioning units, camera upgrades) are not expected to recur at the same level in 2025'26.
Resolution No. 18 formalizes the board's intent under Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidance to commit $3.5 million to fiscal stabilization and $2.5 million for declining enrollment. Choi explained that a previously committed $1.5 million for certificates of participation (COP) repayment was uncommitted after the district issued bonds and will be reallocated to increase the fiscal stabilization reserve to $3.5 million.
Board members sought and received clarification that the adopted budget will be submitted to the Los Angeles County Office of Education by June 30 and can be revised during state budget updates or the required interim reporting cycles (Dec. 1 and March). Trustees also discussed asset-replacement cycles for equipment (roofs, HVAC, textbooks) and steps to improve long-term facilities planning.
The board took these votes by roll call; all trustees present voted in the affirmative and the motions carried.
Clarifying details recorded at the meeting show the district included a planned $2,000,000 interfund transfer, reallocation of a $1,500,000 COP commitment, and the establishment of $3,500,000 (fiscal stabilization) and $2,500,000 (declining enrollment) committed reserves. The board also approved the district's 2025'26 LCAP and the general fund budget on June 24, 2025.
Looking ahead, Choi said the district will finalize the budget submission and provide regular updates through the district's reporting schedule. The board's action leaves the district with an immediate cash-flow buffer and a clearer set of committed reserves intended to protect operations if state or enrollment conditions change.
