Sequoia Union presents budget projections that could affect TIDE Academy's future

Sequoia Union High School District leaders on a community webinar laid out multi‑year financial projections for the district and for TIDE Academy, saying a growing gap between projected revenues and obligations could force the board to consider options that would affect the small school.

Assistant Superintendent and Chief Business Official Janae Marking told attendees that "the projected operating deficit is $6,100,000" for the current year and that, while a later year shows a projected $2,100,000 surplus, negotiated salary increases would reduce reserves below the district's 8% board policy in 2026–27 and 2027–28. Marking framed the presentation as part of the board's fiduciary duty under Assembly Bill 1,200 and the Education Code to ensure fiscal solvency and to provide timely interim reports and oversight.

"Districts rely on a mix of funding sources, including property taxes, state and federal budgets, and grants," Marking said, adding that more than 80% of the district’s expenditures are committed to people. She said district leadership has been working for three years to protect classrooms by reducing administrative positions, shifting eligible costs to restricted grants, sunsetting expired programs and cutting contracted services.

Superintendent Crystal Leach told the webinar that staff will continue to collect community questions and that the district will present updated information at a Jan. 26 board study session at Carrington Hall (Sequoia High School). "February 4, I will make my recommendation to the board for consideration and a potential vote," Leach said, noting public comment opportunities at both the study session and the Feb. 4 board meeting.

District staff emphasized that the potential outcomes range from continuing to fund TIDE as configured to other decisions the board might consider. Marking explicitly said the board is not considering closure of EPAA, a charter school, in this process and is not planning an across‑the‑board compensation freeze this spring.

The district will incorporate negotiated salary costs and any other changes through Jan. 31 into a second interim report to be issued in March, staff said. That report will provide a more detailed view of how negotiated increases affect reserves and whether policy thresholds are met.

What happens next: staff will post slides and an FAQ on the TIDE information page, continue to collect community input via a QR code and form, and present updated financials at the Jan. 26 study session. The superintendent expects to present a formal recommendation for board action on Feb. 4.

Sources: presentation by Assistant Superintendent Janae Marking and Superintendent Crystal Leach at the TIDE Academy community webinar (Part 2).