Coachella Valley Unified projects $18 million deficit for 2025–26; officials say deeper cuts likely

Coachella Valley Unified School District staff told the board on June 12 that the district expects a $18 million operating deficit for the 2025–26 fiscal year even after the cuts from its stabilization plan.

The district budget presentation by Chief Financial staff projected 2024–25 estimated deficit spending of about $31 million and a 2025–26 deficit of about $18 million, with revenues of roughly $344 million and expenditures of roughly $362 million for the 2025–26 year, according to the presentation.

The numbers matter because the state requires districts to maintain minimum reserves. Director of Fiscal Services Daniela Tabarez told trustees that temporary reductions have improved the district’s reserve position but “cannot, for the long-term solvency of the district” eliminate a structural deficit. She said the district must identify additional reductions to maintain a 3%…