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Business office reviews governor's budget outlook, one-time funds and local projections
Summary
District finance staff reviewed the governor's budget proposal, new one-time block grants, universal TK funding changes and district enrollment and revenue projections for 2025–26.
District finance staff gave a detailed briefing to the Natomas Charter District board on the governor's proposed state budget, how one-time funds and proposed changes could affect the district, and the district's local revenue and enrollment projections for 2025–26.
A business office representative summarized statewide context: the governor projects a multibillion-dollar surplus but the outlook contains risks tied to economic uncertainty. Staff noted the proposal fully funds the projected COLA (presented in the meeting as 2.43 percent) and includes substantial one-time funds that districts may use for staff professional development, literacy and math coaching, and other priorities.
Staff highlighted specific statewide proposals referenced during the presentation: a new student support and professional development discretionary block grant (presented as $1.8 billion statewide to be spent through June 2029); itemized funds for math and literacy coaches (presented amounts: $250 million for math coaches; $235 million for literacy coaches and an additional $15 million for coach training); $40 million for literacy screening support (presented as roughly $7,000 for this district); and additional learning recovery block grant dollars (presented as a statewide $379 million with spending allowed through June 2028).
The presentation also covered Universal Transitional Kindergarten (TK) funding changes and a proposed lowering of eligibility thresholds for expanded learning opportunity program (ELOP) tiers that could shift future per-pupil allocations. Staff cautioned that changes in statewide priorities and the growth of Tier 1 eligibility could reduce some per-pupil allocations for this district.
Locally, staff presented enrollment and revenue projections. The presentation noted a projected P-2 attendance figure presented to the board (approximately 1,007 ADA as presented) and a corresponding projected general fund revenue figure of roughly $21.2 million (presented by staff). Staff told the board these are projections and subject to change as the state finalizes the budget.
Board members asked questions about pension costs, insurance, and the timeline for the state's May revision and final budget. Staff said CalSTRS rates were projected to remain steady in presentation slides while CalPERS contributions may fluctuate slightly; staff also warned liability and cyber-insurance costs are rising and noted the district is tracking those risks.
Ending: Staff said they will return with a budget workshop in May and will update the board after the governor's May revision and the state budget's finalization. The information will inform the district's 2025–26 budget planning cycle.
