Board approves 2024–25 second interim budget; adopts policy second readings and consent agenda

Board of Trustees of the Greenfield Union School District certified a positive 2024–25 second interim budget and approved a set of second-reading policy updates and the consent agenda during the board's March 13, 2025 regular meeting.

The budget action: The board voted to approve the district's 2024'25 second interim budget report, which projects a June 30, 2025 ending general-fund reserve of $5,769,000, representing a 7.22% reserve level. The budget presentation identified higher-than-anticipated salaries and benefits owing to filled vacancies and extra hours, increased operating expenses tied to extended contracts for ELOP services, and higher capital outlay for unplanned repairs and IT cabinet work. The report also noted an estimated total available funding of $97,000,800 for the year and projected restricted reserves (approximately $12 million) for designated programs such as Title I, Title II, special education and other restricted funding streams. The report recommended the board approve the second interim with a "positive certification," meaning the district projects a positive ending balance for the current year and two years forward.

Votes at a glance: - 2024'25 Second Interim Budget Report — Motion to approve carried by roll-call vote: Trustee Arabia (Aye), Trustee Khan (Aye), Clerk Gonzales (Aye), Vice President Smith (Yes), President Jaime (Aye). Outcome: approved. Noted in the presentation: projected reserve 7.22%; total projected available funds $97,000,800; encroachment (restricted program costs) cited as $12,000,008.32. - Second reading of board policies (Items 1'17 on the agenda, including Policy 460: Local Control and Accountability Plan; Policy 3540: Transportation; and bylaws 9270/9270 exhibit on conflict of interest) — Motion to approve the second readings carried by roll-call vote (same voting membership present). Outcome: approved (policy updates adopted as presented; transportation policy included added language requiring employees operating district buses or vans to contact CHP in the event of an accident and to notify supervisors). - Consent agenda — Motion to approve the consent agenda carried by roll-call vote. Outcome: approved.

What the votes mean: The budget certification signals the district's financial position is projected to remain positive for the near term under current assumptions, while the board accepted a package of policy updates and routine consent items. Board members and staff discussed the composition of reserves (restricted vs. unrestricted) and program-specific limitations on how restricted funds may be spent (for example, Extended Learning Opportunity Program funds are restricted to after-school, intersession or summer uses). The district indicated it will continue to monitor and update the budget through the June 2025 budget cycle and that cash-flow projections are based on receipts through January and projections for property tax and other revenue through June 30.

Documentation and legal context: During the meeting legal counsel read portions of Government Code section 54954.3 (the Brown Act provision governing public comment opportunities), and staff referenced program-specific restrictions and encroachment calculations during the budget presentation.

Next steps: Staff will carry forward the board-approved 2024'25 second interim certification and will present updated projections in the June 2025 budget presentation.