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Chula Vista board identifies $33.6M gap in interim budget, approves deeper reductions
Summary
District staff presented a first interim report showing a roughly $33.6 million shortfall in multiyear projections; after public appeals to protect counselors and behavioral supports, the board approved increasing planned reductions to $6 million and directed further planning and prioritization.
District business staff told the Chula Vista Elementary School District Board of Education that updated revenue and expenditure estimates produce a multi‑year structural gap requiring budget reductions.
Chief Business Officer Mr. Pong reviewed the first interim financial report through Oct. 31, noting revenue adjustments that raised the district’s total recognized revenues by about $31.8 million to roughly $432 million, while projected expenditures approached $466 million. Those adjustments and new projections left a net deficit of approximately $33.6 million in the multi‑year forecast. Mr. Pong detailed the drivers — enrollment declines, carryover restricted funds, expanded learning and one‑time state grants — and highlighted $39 million in current commitments held in the general fund.
During public comment educators, site leaders and parents urged the board to spare student supports. Speakers from Rogers Elementary and other high‑needs sites emphasized that counselors, behavioral assistants and related personnel are prevention and safety resources, not optional extras. “These positions are not nice to have,” a Rogers parent said, asking the board to prioritize supports that reduce suspensions and chronic absenteeism.
Trustees debated timing and the merits of taking deeper reductions now versus delaying cuts and risking larger future layoffs. Trustee Dominguez Cervantes cited state revenue uncertainty and the Legislative Analyst Office projection of substantial state shortfalls; Trustee Tamayo moved to amend the staff proposal and increase planned reductions from $5 million to $6 million to improve multi‑year projections. The motion passed 5‑0.
The board directed staff to return with a prioritized set of reductions and to explore alternatives that protect classroom‑facing supports where possible. Mr. Pong said the district plans to present a February reduction resolution with identified actions and that the district would continue pursuing attendance‑recovery and program revenue strategies to mitigate impacts.
