Jefferson Elementary trustees re-elect president, certify first‑interim budget and approve bond refunding

Anthony Sujisaka was re-elected board president at the Jefferson Elementary School Board meeting, and trustees unanimously approved several fiscal measures including a first‑interim financial certification and a resolution authorizing steps to refinance the district’s 2026 general obligation refunding bonds.

The board completed its officer elections after nominations and brief discussion about rotation and leadership. When nominated for president, Anthony Sujisaka accepted the nomination, and the board approved the motion by roll call. The board also elected Aaron Rashba as vice president and Eileen Policarpio as clerk.

The meeting’s central fiscal presentation came from Assistant Superintendent Josie (Susan) Peterson, who walked trustees through the first interim financial report for the period ending Oct. 31, 2025. Peterson recommended the district self‑certify as “positive,” noting the district can meet its financial obligations for the current and the next two fiscal years. She warned the board the district is engaging in structural deficit spending driven by declining LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula) revenues, increased special‑education costs and continued reliance on one‑time funds and reserves. “We are recommending tonight that we self certify as positive,” Peterson said, outlining projected deficits and transfers from reserve funds (fund 17 and fund 20) that soften short‑term gaps but raise long‑term risks.

Trustees pressed the administration about the size and timing of transfers from reserves, particularly a projected larger transfer in the third year of the multi‑year projection. Peterson explained much of the shortfall appearance is caused by the sunsetting of one‑time funds — for example, a $1.5 million student support and professional development discretionary grant — and by ongoing increases in expenditures such as special education and health benefit premiums. She described transfers from reserve funds as a temporary tactic, not a structural fix.

After discussion, the board approved the filing of the certification of financial condition and the revision of the adopted budget to correspond with projected year totals; the motion passed unanimously. The board also voted unanimously to approve Resolution No. 25 12 10a, which authorizes the forms of the purchase contract and preliminary official statement to proceed with refunding bonds intended to save taxpayer dollars through refinancing.

Board members and administration said the approvals preserve the district’s current operations while the budget and facilities advisory committee and the superintendent work on recommendations to address the structural deficit. The board president and superintendent will sign the required certification forms for the state.