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Board approves 2025–26 operating budget amid trustee concerns about reserves and fund shifts
Summary
The Apple Valley Unified Board of Trustees unanimously adopted the 2025—26 operating budget after a lengthy discussion led by Trustee Renee Longshore, who flagged repeated fund shifting, lower-than-peer spending-per-pupil, and requested an FCMAT review; superintendent and cabinet described the adoption as a living document and noted projected out-year adjustments.
The Apple Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on June 12 to adopt the district's 2025—26 operating budget after a protracted discussion in which Trustee Renee Longshore presented spreadsheets and expressed serious reservations about the district's fiscal practices.
Longshore said her review of unaudited actuals and AB 1200 projections shows repeated shifting of funds and cited a lower-than-peer spending-per-pupil figure: "According to the National Center for Education Statistics, ABUSD's total spending per pupil was 75.8%" compared with near-90% in neighboring districts, she said, and asked for transparency and an FCMAT review. She distributed detailed printouts and asked that they be shared with employee union leaders.
Board President Amanda Buchanan and other trustees said budget adoption is necessary to ensure staff are paid on July 1 and described the budget as a living document that will be revised as updated enrollment and state budget information arrive. Superintendent Trinea Nelson said the budget will go to the county and could return with county comments; she noted the district's projection that, absent changes in revenue or spending, the 2026—27 year may show approximately $5.8 million in required cuts.
Trustees discussed timing and the board's oversight role versus administration's operational responsibilities. Some trustees urged additional review and transparency while voting to approve the budget to avoid interrupting payroll and operations.
The board approved the budget by roll-call vote (aye from all trustees present, including remote Trustee Rick Raleigh). Longshore said she would seek FCMAT (Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team) review and asked for access to audit representatives and more detailed account-level analysis.
The adoption allows the district to proceed with encumbrances and staffing for the upcoming year; the superintendent and business office will continue to reconcile spreadsheets and present interim reports as required.
