Jefferson Union board certifies positive first interim budget; approves classified longevity clarification
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Summary
The district’s CFO presented the 2025–26 first interim budget recommending a 'positive' certification; trustees approved the certification and a side letter clarifying classified longevity pay after staff explained required clarifications for retirement-system reporting.
The Jefferson Union High School District board voted to certify a "positive" first interim budget Wednesday after a high-level presentation by Chief Financial Officer Tina Van Rapphorst. Trustees also approved a side letter with the district’s classified employees’ union clarifying longevity compensation amounts.
Van Rapphorst presented the fiscal update covering July 1–Oct. 31 and recommended positive certification, citing close alignment between the adopted budget and first interim projections. She noted the district received a $1,100,000 one-time discretionary state grant and additional CTE grant funds. The presentation included projected reserves of 12.4% for the current year and a stated structural deficit projected at roughly $4.3 million in the current year and similar levels across the next two years.
On revenue, Van Rapphorst said the district remains "community funded," meaning property taxes provide more revenue than the LCFF formula requires, which increases revenue volatility. She explained assumptions used in multi-year projections, including a 4% salary increase for 2025–26 and conservative future-year assumptions about healthcare costs and enrollment impacts.
Trustees moved to approve the first interim budget and certify positive; the motion passed by voice vote. Van Rapphorst said a March update will show spending through January and that the district will continue monitoring contributions to adult education and school nutrition programs, which are currently running over budget.
Separately, the board approved a side letter clarifying longevity compensation for classified employees at the 8-, 12- and 16-year thresholds after the Public Employees' Retirement System requested clearer compensation language; the motion to approve the side letter was carried by voice vote.
What happens next: The district will return in March with updated fiscal results through January and continue discussions with labor partners about program contributions and potential reductions where necessary.