Board adopts second interim budget with positive certification and approves preliminary staffing reductions
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Summary
Trustees moved the district from a qualified to a positive second interim certification after updated ADA, property‑tax, and grant revenues; they approved an amended budget resolution and precautionary certificated and classified reduction resolutions while debating reserve goals.
The Nevada Joint Union High School District board on March 12 approved its second interim budget report for 2024–25 and passed related resolutions after a detailed presentation from district budget staff.
The budget director told trustees that updated average daily attendance (ADA) numbers, stronger property‑tax projections and incoming one‑time grant awards increased projected revenue by more than $1.5 million since the first interim, contributing to a shift from a previously qualified certification to a positive certification. The presentation also reflected retirements, position‑control cleanup and a reduction in projected structural deficit from more than $3 million to about $2.3 million; the district’s projected unrestricted end balance rose to an estimated 8.9% of expenditures.
Trustees discussed long‑term reserve targets recommended in state guidance and local advisors. Staff described a county school‑services recommendation of a 17% reserve (roughly two months of operating costs) as a target to consider over time; trustees emphasized a phased approach if the board decides to raise its board‑designated minimum from the current 8%.
Following the presentation the board unanimously approved the budget report and then passed a resolution to amend the adopted budget (roll call recorded). The board then adopted two precautionary staffing resolutions: Resolution 17 (reduction of certificated kinds of service for 2025–26) and Resolution 18 (reduction of classified kinds of service for 2025–26). Both resolutions were characterized in the meeting as preliminary actions required by timelines; trustees and staff noted the March actions are precautionary and final staffing notifications and votes will come later in May. Resolution 17 was adopted by roll call (5–0); Resolution 18 also passed (5–0).
During public comment, students and parents urged the board to reconsider cuts that would reduce counselor/TOSA time and principal coverage at smaller sites—Ella Lee, a student at Godot Early College High School, said halving counseling and TOSA time "will have a disproportionate and deeply harmful impact" on her school. Trustees and staff responded that they would continue to weigh equity impacts as items return for final action.
Next steps: staff will continue to refine ADA projections, monitor state budget changes (May Revision), and return with final staffing decisions and any further budget adjustments in May and June.
