Chula Vista schools report unaudited finances: district projects roughly $19 million multi‑year deficit; board approves report

Chief Business Officer Mr. Pong presented the district’s unaudited financial report to trustees, describing changes in revenue and a multi‑year projection that shows a projected deficit of roughly $19 million over upcoming fiscal years.

Pong told trustees that the presentation showed an estimated revenue increase of nearly $7 million and cited a net increase of $25 million driven by identified items in the unaudited figures. He also described restricted versus unrestricted fund balances and a contingency reserve for economic uncertainty (the presentation cited a reserve figure described as 0.85% in one slide). Trustees questioned the accounting lines for unspent funds and carryover and asked for clarity on restricted versus discretionary balances.

Line items mentioned in the presentation included a $1.5 million allocation for vehicle replacement, a proposed $5 million for replacement of student and staff devices, and ongoing textbook and consumable costs that may require multi‑year budgeting. Pong said the district is planning for multi‑year adjustments and that some balances are the result of prior commitments and that the district will return with recommendations for any reductions or re‑prioritization.

Trustees asked detailed questions about vacancies, how savings from unfilled positions were being carried forward, and whether one‑time funds were being used to cover ongoing costs. Multiple trustees said they wanted a clearer breakdown of commitments and the timing of planned investments; the board approved the unaudited report by voice vote (5–0).