Jonathan Medina and KCSOS staff presented a proposed 2025–26 budget and walked trustees through revenue and expenditure changes, then discussed how the governor’s May revise affects state education funding.

Medina summarized the proposed county revenue change: "overall, what we're seeing is a, from 20 four‑twenty 5, we're going from $355,000,000 in revenue down to $3.00 $6,000,000 in revenue, so a a decline of $45,000,000." He explained reductions stem from several sources: a decline in LCFF funding driven by lower ADA after COVID‑era adjustments (about $2 million), federal revenue reductions (about $2 million, driven by migrant and AmeriCorps programs), rolling off of large one‑time state grants (about $17 million) and an expected lower carryover for fee‑for‑service local revenue (about $27 million) until books are closed and carryover is confirmed.

On expenditures, Medina reported an overall $13 million year‑over‑year decrease but flagged program‑specific changes: an increase in alternative education operations of about $1 million (staffing and operational costs), a $2 million increase for special education/SELPA operations (staffing costs), smaller decreases tied to rolling off one‑time grants for administrative joint powers authorities, and changes to charter, child development and cafeteria funds tied to contracted slots, central kitchen operations and COLA adjustments.

Dr. Mindenborough walked trustees through the May revise context, explaining the state revenue picture has shifted since January. "So prop 98 guarantee, the state under the constitution of the state of California, requires that 40% of all revenue must be spent on education," the superintendent said, and described how the governor’s May revise re‑estimates state receipts — creating a multi‑billion‑dollar swing from the January projection and tightening rainy‑day reserves. Staff noted the governor proposed a 2.3% LCFF COLA and discretionary block grants but cautioned that final allocations depend on trailer bill language and June enactment.

Board members asked whether the county would use top‑level (administrative) cuts or program cuts if revenues decline; staff said contingency plans are in place and hiring is being held for non‑essential positions until budget clarity improves. Trustees were given dates for required interim reviews (45‑day revisions if trailer language requires it; official reporting at December 1 and March interim cycles). Staff noted several programmatic opportunities in the May revise (TK add‑on, literacy and math coach funding, student teacher stipends) but emphasized uncertainty until the June enacted budget and trailer bills are final.