Oakdale Joint Unified adopts 2025–26 budget, projects $1.4 million unrestricted deficit

The Oakdale Joint Unified School District board on Thursday adopted the 2025–26 annual budget after a multi-year projection showing an anticipated unrestricted deficit of about $1.4 million.

In a presentation to trustees, the district s finance presenter said the district is estimated to receive approximately $80,800,000 in 2025–26 and forecasted expenditures of about $82,800,000. "Overall in our unrestricted, we're expecting a deficit of $1,400,000," the presenter said, noting the shortfall reflects declining enrollment, rising costs and higher property and liability insurance rates.

The presentation said nearly 90% of the district s general-fund revenue comes from the state via LCFF and that Oakdale ranks in the lower third of neighboring districts for LCFF funding. The presenter also said the district is using three-year average ADA for ongoing budgeting, excluding one-time funds to show a more conservative ongoing picture.

Trustees asked questions about investments and reserves. Staff explained the county treasury manages district investments and credited interest to district funds; staff noted the district retains a board-approved committed fund balance (established in 2021) in addition to the required 5% unassigned reserve, and that total reserves exceed 10%.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the 2025–26 annual budget. After the vote, staff said they will return in August if state budget actions require revisions and will present unaudited actuals for 2024–25 in September and the first interim report in December.

Why it matters: The budget frames how Oakdale Joint Unified will allocate resources for instruction, staffing and operations. Trustees and staff emphasized protecting classroom dollars while monitoring state revenue developments and insurance-cost pressures that reduce funds available for direct instruction.