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Board approves second interim fiscal report; calendar and several resolutions pass in consent and action votes
Summary
The board adopted the district’s second interim report showing planned deficit spending tied to one‑time funds, approved an amended 2025–26 board calendar, passed a resolution recognizing Arab American Heritage Month and consolidated bond/parcel oversight committees, and approved two overnight field trips.
Petaluma City Schools Board of Education on March 19 approved the district’s second interim financial report for 2024–25 and adopted several routine governance items and resolutions, the board said during a combined regular and special session.
District Chief Business Officer Dave presented the second interim report, which reflects actual financial data through Jan. 31, 2025, and revised projections for the rest of the fiscal year. Dave said the general fund revenue increased by about $840,000 from first interim and that total general fund expenditures decreased by roughly $439,000. He said the district’s multi‑year projection includes planned deficit spending tied to spending down prior one‑time restricted funds; the projected deficit for the current year was roughly $11.5 million, followed by smaller deficits in subsequent years as restricted balances are used.
Dave said the district expects restricted reserves of about $12.2 million at fiscal year‑end; unrestricted reserves will decline over the projection period as restricted funds are spent down and the district plans for future budget adjustments tied to labor negotiations and other factors. He said the report carries a “positive certification” indicating the district currently believes it can meet financial obligations for the current and next two fiscal years.
The board voted to approve the second interim report. The meeting record shows voice approvals on multiple consent and action items during the session. The board also amended and approved its 2025–26 calendar of meeting dates (the board amended a December meeting date to Dec. 9, 2025) and consolidated the bond and parcel tax citizens oversight committees into a single committee, a change the district said came on legal advice from its counsel.
On resolutions and proclamations, the board unanimously approved Resolution 2425‑41 declaring April as Arab American Heritage Month in the district. The board also approved Resolution 2425‑40 to consolidate the bond and parcel tax oversight committees.
The board approved two overnight field‑trip requests: a softball team tournament and, during a subsequent special meeting called to consider a late request, a track meet with overnight travel taking place before the next scheduled board meeting.
Several public commenters raised personnel and resource questions related to budget priorities. Classified‑staff union leaders urged the board to consider shifting funds toward classified positions and retention (including student advisors and pay equity considerations) rather than external contracts. The board and staff said financial tradeoffs and future labor settlements will be considered in budget planning.
Formal votes were recorded by voice during the meeting; specific roll‑call tallies were not recorded in the public transcript for most motions. The board chair declared motions passed when voice votes were affirmative.
