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Colton Joint Unified files positive second-interim; warns of multi-year enrollment decline
Summary
District staff reported a positive second-interim certification on March 12 but highlighted a long-term enrollment decline (16.9% since 2019) and projected revenue losses; staff said a pending state special-education funding proposal could partially offset contributions the district currently makes to special education programs.
Assistant Superintendent Mariana Sarabia presented the district's second interim financial update, telling the board the district will file a 'positive' certification indicating it expects to meet financial obligations for the current and subsequent fiscal years.
Sarabia said unrestricted revenues rose roughly $400,000 in LCFF revenue (driven by a higher unduplicated pupil count) and about $187,000 in local revenue tied to energy rebates. Those increases were partly offset by transfers to restricted programs, leaving a net unrestricted increase of about $122,000. Staff also reported a one-time $500,000 grant to the child-development program reduced required transfers to other funds.
On expenditures, the presenters said benefits decreased due to the temporary use of restricted dollars and that books and supplies, contracts and capital outlay were realigned to current staffing and operational needs; overall district expenditures declined by about $1,000,000 for the period covered.
District staff emphasized a sustained decline in enrollment: since 2019 total enrollment fell roughly 16.9% (an average of about 440 students per year). Over the next 10 years the district projects losing about 3,383 students, which staff estimated could translate to an approximate $54.1 million loss in funding if current trends persist. Multiyear reserve projections were presented as approximately $13.6 million in 25-26, $12.8 million in 26-27 and $13.1 million in 27-28, with the district continuing to meet the required 3% reserve in the near term.
Sarabia also noted a state proposal to increase the special-education base rate to be funded per ADA (districtwide), which could provide significant relief. She said the proposal could lower the district's special-education contribution by an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million or more depending on the governor's final budget and the May revision.
The presentation closed with a timeline for budget development: the governor's May revise, LCAP and budget public hearing in early June, and formal LCAP and budget adoption in mid-June.
What happens next: staff will monitor May revise details and present updates in subsequent board hearings and the public LCAP/budget process.
