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Board hears budget update, fund balances and uncertainty about future federal school‑meal waiver
Summary
CFO and staff briefed the board on current cash balances, fund balance effects of property‑tax receipts, projected capital spending and the district’s reliance on direct certification for free school meals; staff warned that if participation falls the district could lose universal free meals for all students.
District financial staff presented a routine mid‑year budget reconciliation and monthly financial statements and answered board questions about the district’s cash position, capital spending and the food service fund.
A staff presenter said current cash is high because property taxes are collected in November and December and are then banked for use through the year; the general fund’s fund balance jumped because of that timing. Staff warned that capital projects are resuming and the capital fund had a planned decrease tied to construction activity.
On school meals, staff said the district currently provides free lunch to all students through direct certification under federal programs but that the arrangement is subject to renewal: “Currently, right now, we provide free lunch to all students … This is coming up for renewal for next year,” a staff member said. Staff explained that if participation falls and the district loses direct certification, the district would revert to a system where families must qualify for free or reduced price lunches, and some students who now receive free meals could be required to pay.
Board members asked for clearer breakout data in monthly reports, including updated EL counts referenced earlier in the meeting, and requested more granular financial highlights in future packet materials. Staff said architects and engineering firms for phase‑three facility design are being paid now and that contractor cost estimates will come later in the procurement timeline.
The transcript records discussion and questions; no formal board votes on budget adjustments were recorded in the meeting transcript.
