Board adopts budget and LCAP; business office warns of state and federal funding risks including possible loss of universal free meals

The San Ysidro School District governing board voted June 11 to adopt the 2025–26 district budget and the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Board members approved multiple associated resolutions, including the Education Protection Account (EPA) spending plan and the federal addendum to the LCAP.

District business officials used the board workshop to brief trustees on state and federal budget developments that could affect next year’s funding. Marilyn (business services) told the board that the May state budget revision proposed a drop in Proposition 98 funding and showed a 2.3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for LCFF programs — lower than the typical 4% districts seek to maintain services year to year. Staff also noted a proposed $20 million “school choice” item in the state proposal that would expand vouchers to private and charter schools.

The business office flagged federal risks as well. The district’s packet and staff presentation identified possible reductions in Title I, II, III, IV and IDEA funds under federal scenarios, and noted the national fiscal-year timing that can delay final federal allocations into October. Business services also warned the board about a specific nutrition risk: if federal program changes lead districts to lose Community Eligibility Program (CEP) status, the district could face a potential $2.6 million shortfall in child nutrition funding. Board members responded with visible concern; one trustee called the prospect “outrageous,” arguing that meals are essential to students’ ability to learn.

Why it matters: LCAP and budget adoption are routine annual actions; what made this meeting notable was the business office’s cautionary briefing about pending state and federal proposals. A cut in CEP or federal program funds would hit districts that rely on school-provided meals and targeted federal grants for low-income and English-learner students.

Board action and next steps: The board adopted the budget and LCAP items (agenda items 13.2, 13.3, 13.4 and 13.5 among others). Staff said they will draft contingency planning options and consider partnerships to mitigate possible program cuts, including outreach to nonprofit partners and local agencies for additional food support if CEP funding were to change.

Ending: Trustees passed the budget and LCAP on June 11 while directing staff to monitor state and federal budget developments and to bring back contingency strategies if proposals that would reduce funding become law.