Board discusses supplemental levy to address multi‑year budget gap; special meeting set to finalize language

The board discussed a projected multi‑year budget shortfall and a proposed supplemental levy to raise approximately $3.85 million to cover locally funded services not supported by state or federal revenues.

Superintendent Fauci and the finance director summarized a deficit projection that would reach approximately $5.2 million if no action were taken. The proposed levy, which would fund items such as summer school, expanded preschool (the unfunded half‑day portion), school resource officers, cybersecurity, and a portion of special education costs beyond state reimbursement, is intended as a temporary bridge while the district pursues structural reductions and revenue solutions.

Trustees asked about timeframe and the difference between bonds and levies; administration explained that this is a supplemental operating levy (not a bond) and that county and state timelines require language be finalized quickly. Because of filing deadlines, the board scheduled a special virtual meeting (with a live option) for later in the week to consider formal levy language and allow public comment. No levy was adopted at the meeting; trustees directed administration to return with draft resolution text, voter impact estimates, and explanatory materials.