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Tustin Unified posts 2025–26 LCAP draft and proposed budget as public hearings remain open
Summary
District staff presented the 2025–26 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) draft and a proposed budget that shows a combined general fund ending balance of $188.9 million; both the LCAP and budget hearings remain open for public comment until June 23.
TUSTIN, Calif. — Tustin Unified School District on Monday posted a draft of its 2025–26 Local Control and Accountability Plan and presented a proposed budget that reflects enrollment declines, a 2.3% cost-of-living adjustment and continued pressure from special-education costs.
Dr. Stephanie Yang, director of Educational Services, told the board the 2025–26 LCAP is year two of a three‑year plan. She said the district’s three continuing priorities are student wellness, intervention and tiered supports, and parent engagement. The draft LCAP and a federal addendum will be posted for public review and remain open to comment through June 23, county and state review are still required.
Business Services staff reviewed the district’s proposed 2025–26 budget. David Yang said the unrestricted general fund shows a beginning balance of $143.4 million, projected revenues of $285.4 million and expenditures of $249.0 million, with an anticipated $17.0 million decrease in unrestricted fund balance and a combined general fund ending balance of $188.9 million. The presentation incorporated a projected $3.3 million LCAP carryover from 2024–25 and flagged rising benefit costs (+$7.1 million) and insurance increases (+$1.3 million).
Staff emphasized continuing uncertainty from the state budget process and recent May Revision updates. Business Services said the district included only the 2.3% COLA in the proposal because larger, one‑time legislative proposals were still in negotiation; staff cautioned those figures could change before final adoption.
Board members and public commenters asked for plain‑language explanations of where budget dollars are allocated and additional detail on special‑education spending. A board member noted that special‑education costs reflect federal and state law obligations, including individualized education programs (IEPs), and that those costs are a statewide and national trend.
The board opened a separate public hearing on the district’s annual special‑education service and budget plan and closed that hearing the same night after clarifying it identifies which programs will be available at which sites rather than itemizing site budgets.
Next steps: the district will post the draft LCAP and budget documents online for community review and accept public comment through June 23; staff said the board will consider budget adoption on June 23 and will reflect any enacted state budget changes at the first interim in December 2025.
