Greenfield trustees approve interim budget, elect officers and swear in two members; board backs superintendent coaching

The Greenfield Union School District Board of Trustees on Dec. 19 approved the district's first interim budget for 2024-25, re-elected its leadership, and swore in two board members during a meeting that also included public comment about language access and pesticide notification.

The board certified the first interim financial report, which reflected actuals through Oct. 31 and showed a projected ending general-fund balance of about $16,000,007.79, of which roughly $11,650,000 is restricted. The report projects an unrestricted reserve equal to about 6.45% of expenditures. Trustees and staff repeatedly flagged rising special-education costs as a major driver of budget pressure.

The interim report matters because state law requires districts to certify their ability to meet obligations for the current year and the following two years; the board voted to give a positive certification and said staff will return with a second interim update in March.

"When we adopt the budget, things change," Interim Superintendent Christina Cortez said during the presentation of the first interim, explaining that changes reflect updated attendance-driven LCFF calculations, newly filled positions and higher contracted special-education costs charged by the county. Cortez told the board the county's special-education billing increase and additional placements sent to county programs contributed significantly to the change.

Board members asked for clarifications about cash flow and county charges. The chief business officer told trustees the county's charges for students whom the county serves had risen, and that the district is adjusting projections accordingly.

Elections and swearing-in

The board re-elected Denise Jaime as board president. Trustee Smith was elected vice president and Trustee Gonzales elected clerk during the annual organizational meeting required by board policy. The board also administered oaths of office to Sylvia Gonzalez and Sonia Eredia. Gonzalez, who repeated the oath on the dais, told the board, "I can't wait to get out there and see what I can do to help this board move forward to help our community and our kids. I'm excited." Eredia was sworn in later in the ceremony.

Board members and staff recognized outgoing Trustee Jose Madrid for his years of service and honored longtime employee Claudette, who the interim superintendent said is retiring after roughly 34 years with the district.

Public comment and community items

Public commenters urged the board to expand language and interpreter services for families who speak Mixteco, Spanish and other languages. Laura Ramirez, who spoke through an interpreter, asked the district to provide in-person interpreters at school sites so newcomers who have been in the United States a short time can participate in conferences and understand teacher communications. Another commenter requested a Mixteco interpreter at the school site and help using district phone apps.

Multiple speakers thanked trustees and staff for community programs. Commenters also noted a forthcoming statewide pesticide-notification mobile app, described in public remarks as "Spray Days," that will let families see pesticide applications near schools beginning in March 2025.

Governance actions, consultants and appointments

The board approved a consulting agreement to provide coaching support to Interim Superintendent Cortez, not to exceed $18,000, after trustees debating whether the district has previously funded coaching for interim leaders. Several trustees said supporting the interim superintendent was intended to help the district's leadership and, by extension, students.

Trustees also appointed a board member as the district's representative to the executive council of the Monterey County School Boards Association and approved the district's delegate nomination process for CSBA.

Closed session report

After a closed-session meeting earlier in the agenda, trustees publicly reported that, regarding case number 022024-2025, the board's administrative panel findings and recommendations were accepted unanimously.

Votes at a glance

- First interim budget 2024-25 (positive certification): approved (motion carried). - Annual officer elections: Denise Jaime elected president; Trustee Smith elected vice president; Trustee Gonzales elected clerk (all approved in open session ballot/roll call). - Coach/consultant agreement for interim superintendent (not to exceed $18,000): approved (motion carried). - Appointment to Monterey County School Boards Association executive council: Trustee Arabia appointed (approved 5-0). - Reimbursement request for NALEO conference (adjusting a board member's 2023-24 charge into 2024-25 budget): approved (motion carried by roll call, 3-2). - Closed-session acceptance of administrative panel findings on case no. 022024-2025: approved unanimously.

What trustees said and next steps

Interim Superintendent Christina Cortez said she would bring proposed dates for board retreats and additional follow-up materials on budget assumptions and special-education encroachment in the spring interim. Trustees who raised concerns about language access asked staff to return with options for interpreters at school sites and for family outreach.

The board will meet again on the district's regular schedule (second Thursday monthly) and expects further interim budget updates in March 2025.