Riverside Unified holds public hearings on LCAP and 2025–26 budget; staff preview adoption for June 26

The Riverside Unified School District Board of Education held public hearings on the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the district’s 2025–26 all-funds budget on June 5; no action was required at this meeting and staff said both items will return for board consideration and adoption on June 26.

Doctor Perez reviewed the LCAP’s role as a three-year strategic plan informed by community engagement, summarizing priorities such as grade-level standards and English learner supports. Perez reported an unduplicated pupil percentage of 75.83% and described how supplemental and concentration funds are being used in actions and services across the district. She noted the LCAP draft and related materials are posted on the district website and that the full leadership profile from the superintendent search will also be made available to candidates.

Assistant Superintendent Miss Power presented a budget overview tied to the governor’s May revise. Key figures and assumptions she cited included a 2.3% COLA for 2025–26, an estimated beginning fund balance of about $220.6 million in estimated actuals, and a projected $32 million deficit for 2025–26 that staff said largely reflects planned one-time investments (about $26 million) for shade structures, classroom technology, deferred maintenance and other board-committed items. Power also noted uncertainties in the May revise (such as possible TK funding and a one-time Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant estimated at $11 million for RUSD if included in the final state budget).

During public comment Sandy R. raised fiscal transparency concerns about a district ‘economic uncertainty’ balance and asked what would happen if federal funds were withheld because of policy controversies; staff and trustees said there were no federal funds held at that time and discussed how some federal programs are reimbursement-based or routed through the state.

What happens next: The district will return the LCAP and the 2025–26 budget to the board for adoption at a June 26 meeting; staff will continue to monitor the state budget process and adjust the district budget accordingly.