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Operations warns of flat maintenance funding, explores hub stops; menstrual dispenser mandate has a $500,000 equipment gap
Summary
The division of operations said FY26 operating maintenance funding is flat while projected capital funding is lower, discussed a pilot for transportation hub stops, flagged driver vacancies and noted an estimated $500,000 cost to meet a state mandate for menstrual product dispensers in phase two.
Dr. Shurasta Coleman, chief operating officer, told the board Jan. 23 that the division's FY26 operating budget proposal keeps maintenance funding flat compared with the current year but that a significantly lower capital budget in the coming year would reduce the district’s buffer for emergency repairs.
Coleman said transportation is exploring hub stops for specialty programs to reduce long ride times but cautioned about equity concerns because hub stops require families to travel to a centralized location. Transportation is also expanding its non‑CDL van fleet from 18 toward a planned 30 vans and is working with human resources on recruitment and possible retention bonuses to address driver and attendant vacancies.
On a state mandate, Coleman said the district completed phase one of menstrual product dispenser installation but the grant that funded that work is no longer available. The estimated cost to comply with phase two, which includes purchase of additional equipment, is more than $500,000 and is not currently funded in the FY25 approved budget; the administration is examining options for FY26.
Director of Capital Programs Shayla Jackson said construction costs escalated sharply in recent years — she cited a 57 percent rise between 2017 and 2022 — and that projects such as Camp Schmidt face scope and cost pressures. Board member Walker noted an estimated Camp Schmidt shortfall of roughly $15 million; Jackson said the district is looking at descoping, phasing or seeking additional capital funding through the CIP process.
Food and Nutrition Services has filled its director role (Mary Kirkland) but remains short on critical nutrition specialist positions needed to advance initiatives such as nondairy milk alternatives, the division said.
The operations discussion was part of the FY26 budget work session and included follow‑up commitments on capital funding scenarios, transportation pilots and mandates compliance plans.
