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Woodland Hills staff present budget showing roughly $2 million shortfall; board hears insurance savings and lease updates
Summary
District finance staff presented the 2025–26 general fund package showing about a $2 million deficit; trustees heard that an insurance package change will save about $150,000 while increasing coverage and that a two-year lease renewal was approved for a police substation at West Junior High.
District finance staff presented the Woodland Hills School District’s proposed 2025–26 general fund package during the June 11 agenda-setting meeting, estimating total expenditures of about $117.5 million and a gap of roughly $2 million.
Finance staff described total salaries and benefits at roughly $57.5 million, which the presentation said represents about 48% of total spending. Administrators told the board that special-education costs—largely tuition payments to charter schools—constitute a significant portion of other operating expenses.
Jill, the district finance presenter, told trustees that the district’s projected shortfall narrowed after a lower insurance quote: outside broker Gallagher negotiated a new insurance package that the presentation said will save approximately $150,000 while increasing several coverage limits (the presentation cited a rise in blanket real and personal property limits from $100 million to $500 million and other limit changes). The board asked for clarification about which vacant building was listed on the schedule; staff said West Junior High remained listed until property disposition is finalized.
Separately, the board reviewed a two-year lease renewal with a local borough police department for space at West Junior High. District staff said the tenant anticipates moving to its own building but expects to remain in the district space for at least one more year; the lease was adjusted to have the tenants cover most utilities.
Board members discussed the need to continue looking for savings during the coming school year, including attrition and other measures, and stressed that no student-facing programs had been cut in the proposed package presented at the meeting. Staff said they would continue monitoring revenue developments at the state and federal level and report changes to the board.
The presentation was informational at the meeting; board members requested a list of program adjustments discussed in prior sessions and additional documentation on projected expenditures and revenues.
The board did not adopt a final budget at the June 11 meeting; staff said they would use the presentation as the working budget and return with updates and recommended actions as needed.
