PCSD staff report: finance, IT transition, multilingual supports and board onboarding

District staff provided several informational updates April 10 covering February financial results, a planned IT/PowerSchool transition, Title III multilingual-learner funding, board onboarding and other implementation work.

Financial report: Financial services reported that through Feb. 28 the district had received roughly $136.2 million in revenue with expenditures just over $136.0 million, producing a net gain for the year to date of $172,303. The district office reported $555,000 in February revenue and $486,000 in expenditures, a month net gain of about $68,930, and an operating fund balance of approximately $2.7 million. Staff requested board approval of the February 2025 financial report; trustees approved the report by voice vote.

Budget first reading: Finance presented the first reading of the FY 2025–26 general fund budget based on the House budget projection, which includes 45-day membership counts, two new schools, a state minimum teacher salary increase to $48,500 and a proposed 3% cost-of-living increase for staff. The projected general fund revenue figure cited was approximately $5.5 million for district office operations; staff described conservative revenue assumptions and anticipated enrollment growth in the district. Trustees approved the first reading by voice vote.

IT/PowerSchool and staffing: Staff described a transition away from an outsourced PowerSchool/IT partner, the posting of three in-house positions (IT manager, PowerSchool administrator, PowerSchool coordinator), and the elevation of Josh Finley to chief of data, accountability and IT. Staff said the move will reduce purchased-services costs and improve data control; the board heard that more than 90 applicants applied for the IT manager role.

Title III and multilingual learners: Staff outlined Title III obligations under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act supporting multilingual learners and immigrant students, describing screening and annual proficiency review processes and noting the district currently codes about 1,220 multilingual learners (counted on the 180th-day enrollment). Annual Title III funding to the district was described as approximately $69,000–$90,000 plus occasional immigrant funds; staff said a district staff member (Chi Chiabando) oversees the program and that most federal funds are restricted for supplemental uses.

Board onboarding and strategic plan items: Staff completed a board onboarding process for the newest trustee and reported results from a recent board survey indicating trustees want more training in school finance and charter authorization, and a mentor program for new trustees. Staff also described “rapid reflection” activities to improve internal staff understanding of roles and noted dissemination of a new district newsletter and external board relations outreach to school board chairs.

These informational items were presented to the board; the financial report and the first budget reading were approved as described.