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Board hears 2025–26 proposed budget and approves $32.7 million amendment to Jefferson High gym and pool contract
Summary
District finance staff presented the proposed 2025–26 budget and reserve levels; the board held required public hearings on reserves and then approved an amendment to the Vance Brown contract to fund demolition, abatement and long-lead procurements for the Jefferson High gym and pool project.
District finance staff presented the proposed 2025–26 budget, outlined reserve policy actions and the board approved a contract amendment that funds initial work on Jefferson High School’s new gym and pool.
Chief finance staff Tina Van Rapphorst (presented as Ms. Van Rapphorst) told the board that while the governor’s proposed state budget includes a COLA for LCFF, state revenue remains under pressure and federal funding is uncertain. She said local tax revenue is projected to increase about 5% based on county assessor information; however, the district projects continued deficit spending under current assumptions and is implementing a strategic reserve contribution to Fund 17. The board was told the district projects ending reserves for the current year above 18% and about 14% at the end of next year after planned contributions; the presentation also noted a projected deficit and the need to monitor multi-year trends.
Ms. Van Rapphorst described the district’s revenue buckets (LCFF/local tax revenue, federal funding, other state funding and local funds) and reiterated that federal funding uncertainty could require service reductions if funds are lost and not replaced.
On construction, the board approved Vance Brown Incorporated Contract Amendment No. 1 for $32,700,000 to fund the first two phases of work on the Jefferson High School gym and pool project. District staff and Vance Brown representatives said the initial contract amendment covers demolition, abatement, shoring and purchase of long-lead items — specifically mechanical, electrical and plumbing components, fire protection/sprinkler, elevator and steel procurement — to lock in pricing and mitigate supply-chain and tariff risks. Director of construction Stephanie Phillips and Vance Brown’s Tim Stitt answered trustee questions on schedule, shoring and warranties; staff said warranties generally begin when systems are commissioned and that early procurement is intended to lock price and availability.
The board also adopted routine fiscal resolutions: the Education Protection Account resolution acknowledging Prop 30 spending on teacher salaries; a year-end budget transfers resolution to allow the county superintendent to adjust budgets for any line-item overages as books close; and a resolution to continue the maintenance assessment district (which generates about $350,000 annually and is budgeted in maintenance and operations). Each resolution passed by voice vote.
Trustees asked about longer-term deficit exposure and the timeline for any potential cuts if state or federal revenue declines; district staff said the board will need to monitor and consider options over the next two to three years and that the district is exploring Medi-Cal billing and other revenue strategies to sustain certain services.
The Vance Brown amendment was approved by motion and voice vote; staff said phase 1 work is expected to proceed over the summer and fall and the amendment funds long-lead procurements to protect pricing and schedule.
