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Huntington Beach Union High School District board approves first interim report, cites enrollment decline and rising costs
Summary
The district board voted 5-0 to approve its first interim financial report and to certify it can meet financial obligations for the current and two subsequent years, while staff warned of falling enrollment and rising pension and health costs that create multiyear budgetary pressure.
The Huntington Beach Union High School District Board of Trustees voted 5-0 to approve its first interim financial report for fiscal year 2025–26 and authorized the board president to certify that the district will be able to meet its financial obligations for the current and two subsequent years as required by state law.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Miss Green presented the report and highlighted several fiscal headwinds: district enrollment is declining (the presentation showed a projected enrollment of about 20,554 students, a decrease of 428 students from the prior year), employer pension and health-and-welfare costs are rising, and state revenue projections remain uncertain. Miss Green also outlined multiyear projections showing deficit spending in years two and three if current trends persist (approximately $3.2 million and $3.5 million in the presentation).
Why it matters: the district’s LCFF funding is tied to attendance and funded ADA; a sustained enrollment decline can reduce revenue even as salary and benefits grow. Miss Green told the board the district will monitor budgets, use restricted one-time funds strategically and seek cost savings to maintain solvency while complying with state reserve requirements.
Board members asked clarifying questions about committee and staffing costs and expressed appreciation for the clarity of the report. After discussion, the board approved the recommendation by voice vote, 5-0.
What to watch next: Miss Green said the governor’s budget proposal (expected next month) and the Legislative Analyst’s Office COLA estimate will affect projections; the district will present a second interim report in March 2026 with updated assumptions.
