Benicia Unified hears governor's budget briefing and shrinks enrollment projection for 2026–27

Mrs. Barrington presented the governor's January 2026 budget proposal and explained implications for local education funding, describing the ongoing uncertainty in state revenue and how accounting strategies (often called "maneuvers") affect local distributions under Proposition 98. She told trustees the state could either suspend or ‘‘settle up’’ owed Proposition 98 funds and that local distributions are not guaranteed in timing or amount.

Barrington highlighted that Benicia typically receives unrestricted LCFF funding near $12,800 per student and that the governor's proposal includes adjustments to Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) rates. She cautioned against budgeting to the full proposed rates because local realization may be lower. The presentation noted projected lower COLA assumptions in 2026–27 (approximately 2.41% in the materials) versus earlier projections and showed how retirement, insurance and utilities are first draws on COLA increases.

On enrollment, staff projected a conservative decrease to 4,216 students for 2026–27 (from 4,405) using a cohort method and factoring in kindergarten birth-rate trends and potential interdistrict transfers from neighboring Vallejo. Trustees asked about the County's release policy and whether Vallejo would release Allenville students; staff responded that Vallejo indicated a 1% release rate but the districts do not have full clarity, so Benicia is building conservative projections.

No budget actions were adopted; staff said the projections will be reflected in second-interim reporting and additional updates after the May revise.