Budget briefing: governor’s May signals lower COLA, potential TK funding and one‑time block grants

Martinez Unified business staff provided a condensed briefing on highlights of the governor’s proposed state budget as they apply to K–12 education and the district’s planning.

Staff said the projected COLA for 2025–26 was reduced in the governor’s proposal from 2.93% to 2.43%, a modest change that will be reflected in second‑interim revenue forecasts. The proposal also includes funding to support a reduced TK adult‑to‑student ratio (10:1) with a per‑TK‑student add‑on that administration summarized at roughly $3,252 per TK seat — a funding stream the presenter said could approximate $450,000–$500,000 for the district depending on final allocation and enrollment. The presenter noted the proposal is ongoing funding but subject to legislative approval and trailer‑bill detail.

The governor proposed a one‑time Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant (roughly $320 per ADA in early estimates) intended for professional development, recruitment/retention and student supports; administration said it would treat that as restricted one‑time funding and not assume it for ongoing salary commitments. Staff also noted a potential return of roughly $400,000 to the district from earlier learning‑recovery allocations the state had recovered in prior years.

Ending: Administration said it will reflect the lower COLA in the March second interim and will not incorporate one‑time grants into ongoing salary assumptions until trailer‑bill language and final allocations are published in the May revision and in the summer budget process.