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Teachers and employee groups press Lodi Unified trustees for clarity on budget numbers, special-ed timelines and custodial staffing
Summary
Public speakers at the board meeting raised questions about a projected $113.6 million books-and-supplies line, teacher retention funding, delays in special-education evaluation timelines and widespread custodial shortages; the board asked staff for written follow-up and a report on staffing.
Lodi — Multiple public commenters and employee representatives used the Lodi Unified board meeting on Tuesday to press for clearer budget detail, swifter special-education timelines and more custodial staff at school sites.
Lisa Glennon Wilkins, identifying herself as president of the LEA, told the board she had reviewed the district’s second interim financial report and questioned a projected books-and-supplies figure of $113,648,699, saying the district has not historically spent near that amount and that the projection suggested a risk of deficit spending in 2025–26. ‘‘I have a really hard time believing’’ the projection, she said, and asked where funds are targeted and how a $9,000,000 teacher-retention line has been and will be used.
A board member asked staff to respond in writing. ‘‘I am going to request Miss Suarez to please address them in an email back to Lisa and if you can CC the board or BCC the board so we don't have to answer it,’’ the board member said, signaling the trustees wanted staff to provide a documented response rather than answer in the meeting.
Other public commenters raised operational concerns. Billy Yates, a parent and teacher, said changes to the Extended School Year (ESY) enrollment form and processes may reduce attendance and urged better coordination and communication with administrators and non-English-speaking families.
Employee representatives told the board they are seeing slow bargaining movement, widespread custodial shortages that leave teachers cleaning classrooms, and health-and-safety concerns including leaks and the risk of mold. One speaker said local procedures for lice and deep cleaning after outbreaks are unclear. Board members acknowledged the concerns and asked staff for a report on the custodial staffing shortage, including counts and remedies.
Board responses on these issues were procedural: trustees asked for follow-up documents and reports rather than taking immediate action at the meeting. Speakers asked the board to tighten policies, improve communication and clarify how retention and other budget lines are being spent.
