Western Placer Unified hears first interim budget, approves personnel MOU and routine authorizations
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Trustees reviewed a first interim budget showing improved beginning balances but enrollment below projection and higher special-education costs; the board approved an MOU on position reductions, an $810,000 request, and completed annual officer reorganization and authorization of district signatories.
At the Dec. 16 meeting the Western Placer Unified School District Board of Trustees received its first interim budget presentation for fiscal year 2025–26, heard questions about enrollment and reserves, and approved several administrative actions.
District finance staff summarized revenue gains and risks: beginning balances were about $800,000 higher than budgeted, LCFF and TK add‑on funds increased revenue by roughly $700,000, and the district also received additional state grants and carryover revenues. Staff said actual enrollment was about 100 students below projections and that special‑education costs have increased by more than $2 million compared with the prior year. The presenter recommended certifying the first interim report as "positive," saying current projections indicate the district will meet its financial obligations for the current year and the subsequent two fiscal years.
Board members asked detailed questions about the treatment of one‑time funds, the assumed cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for future years, and the district’s unassigned economic uncertainty reserves. Staff said one‑time funds are not projected as ongoing revenue and explained that the state allows districts to claim the higher of current‑year or prior‑year ADA for funding calculations in certain circumstances.
On action items the board approved by vote an authorization request described in the record as "not to exceed $810,000" and adopted a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to reduce or reassign hours in two vacant CSEA positions; the MOU was described as affecting currently vacant roles so that no employees would lose pay or hours. The board also considered adding an addendum to extend the superintendent’s contract to June 30, 2029; the contract addendum was presented, a motion was made and seconded and the item moved to roll‑call procedures in the meeting record.
During the reorganization portion of the meeting trustees elected a board president by voice vote (April was elected president), appointed the superintendent as board secretary in accordance with district bylaw, reauthorized several district staff as signatories, and discussed future meeting dates with tentative adjustments for January, February and April.
The board concluded with scheduling and committee assignment items. Staff said the district will return with the second interim report in March and the audit and Governor’s proposed budget materials in the months ahead.