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Board approves proposed FY26 expenditure budget and authorizes M&O flexibility as staff continue state reconciliations
Summary
The governing board approved the district’s proposed FY2026 expenditure budget, including a $29.6 million M&O plan, and authorized administrators limited flexibility to shift M&O line items before final adoption; staff warned of state reporting timing and a conservative $500,000 rollover estimate.
The J.O. Combs Unified School District governing board unanimously approved the district’s proposed fiscal year 2026 expenditure budget and separately authorized administration to exceed specific M&O line‑item amounts as long as total M&O expenditures do not exceed the M&O total.
The presenter said the proposed budget was prepared using preliminary state budget forms and a locally adjusted student‑base support level of $5,113.26 per average daily membership (ADM) — an override of the preliminary state value — and that the district built the FY26 budget reflecting a projected loss of 138 ADM. The district’s M&O (maintenance and operations) budget for FY26 was presented as $29,608,686.
Administrators noted the forms remain subject to final legislative action and state‑issued forms; the district may bring a revised budget in September if legislative changes require adjustments. The presenter said statute requires an approved proposed budget by early July, public notice and a final adoption by July 15, followed by routine revisions in December and May.
The presenter explained the proposed budget earmarked a projected rollover (carryforward) of $500,000. He said the district’s target rollover commonly ranges from $800,000 to $1,000,000 but that the estimate was conservative pending final personnel and contract figures. The presenter warned that statewide aggregations of district rollovers could become a target for legislative scrutiny and urged caution in setting rollover figures.
Other figures presented in the proposed budget included an estimated Classroom Site Fund of $5,857,147, unrestricted capital at $1,639,209, and federal/state projects estimated at $13,870,000 (the presenter called that federal/state projects number an estimate while final revenues and carryforwards are reconciled). The board approved the proposed budget by voice vote, 4 to 0, and later approved a motion authorizing M&O flexibility (exceeding individual line items within the M&O section while holding the M&O total constant) by the same margin.
Administrators said they will return with any necessary revisions once final state forms and legislative actions are published. The board’s formal adoption is scheduled for the July meeting.
