Board approves first interim budget with positive certification; district highlights gains on California Dashboard
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Summary
Finance staff reported larger state and federal one-time awards and projections that keep GUSD reserves at about 6.21%; Norma presented budget details and trustees approved the first interim report. Separately, Ed Services presented California Dashboard gains in math and chronic absenteeism with site-level variation.
The Greenfield Union School District board approved its 2025–26 first interim budget report on Dec. 11, accepting staff—indings that the district's multiyear projection supports a "positive" certification.
Finance coordinator Norma summarized key changes since the June budget adoption: updated Average Daily Attendance and LCFF calculations raised LCFF revenue; federal Title allocations increased; and one‑time state awards (including a student support/professional development award of more than $900,000 and additional increases from Prop 28 and an extended learning allocation) raised state revenue by nearly $2 million. Norma said the district also saw "almost $400,000" more available for after‑school (ELAP) programs. She cautioned some increases were one‑time funds that must be budgeted within statutory windows.
Norma described expense adjustments: salaries and benefits were revised to reflect staffing changes, and contracted services rose where the district must procure special education providers (speech, occupational therapists, RBTs) rather than fill positions internally. She presented the bottom line: an ending unrestricted balance and a projected reserve level of about 6.21% for the current year, above the state minimum and the board policy target. The board asked clarifying questions about MCOE charges and capital outlay and Norma offered to follow up with exact figures.
Following the budget vote, Ed Services outlined the California Dashboard results. Dr. Alvarez and Director Ramirez said the district improved by one performance band in several state indicators, including math and chronic absenteeism, though English language proficiency showed a slight decrease. Site‑level data showed variation: Arroyo Seco posted notable gains across measures while Vista Verde declined on multiple indicators. District leaders described next steps: launching the Elevation portal to monitor English learners, conducting empathy interviews and shadowing long‑term English learners, partnering with MCOE on professional learning, and realigning supports and SSTs to better aid classroom instruction.
Trustees approved the interim budget by roll call and thanked staff for the analysis. Staff will bring any material changes forward in the second interim report due in March 2026.