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Board hears LCAP update and proposed budget that relies on reserves; trustees press for early planning
Summary
Dr. Moore reviewed the 2024–25 LCAP annual update and introduced the 2025–26 LCAP priorities (literacy, ELD, MTSS, facilities). Business staff presented a proposed adopted budget showing transfers from other funds and projected multi‑year deficits; trustees asked for clearer site‑level plans and earlier budget committee engagement.
The Santa Paula Unified School District board received an annual LCAP update and the proposed adopted budget for 2025–26, including headline LCFF figures and program priorities, and engaged in extended questioning about budget risks and sustainability.
Dr. Moore opened the LCAP segment with an overview of goals and results, highlighting reading and phonics gains at early grades and increases in CTE completion. "This is our ELA data and tremendous progress," he said, summarizing gains and noting areas still in the red such as math performance for long‑term English learners. Moore identified a district plan to adopt the Amira reading assessment and to discontinue district funding for STAR reading, saying Amira provides Lexile and fluency scores while costing a fraction of the earlier assessment tools.
On funding, Moore cited LCFF figures for the 2025–26 LCAP: "we're gonna have 70,638,500 total LCFF dollars," and described allocations for supplemental concentration grants and equity multipliers. He detailed actions to fund targeted ELD supports, newcomer teachers and a parent literacy academy.
Business services staff presented the proposed adopted general fund budget and three‑year projections. Laurie Tom explained that while a shorthand deficit for the year looks like $2.9 million, transfers from other funds increase the real deficit to roughly $6.15 million. When trustees asked whether the district was using reserves for ongoing operations, Tom responded directly: "That's correct. 100%." The presentation identified risks that could deepen deficits, including potential federal cuts to Titles 2–4 and uncertainty about some grant renewals (for example, a mental health grant flagged as at risk). Staff also described planned staffing reductions in later years as a tool to align personnel costs with expected enrollment declines.
Trustees pressed for earlier inclusion of site leaders and the LCAP committee in planning, and advocated for more transparent tracking of LCAP allocations so schools and principals can plan for reduced funding. Trustee Sandoval and others urged that principals and ILTs be accountable for data chats and site‑level evidence.
No action was taken to adopt the LCAP or the budget at this meeting; Dr. Moore said the board would consider final approval in the next board meeting after any adjustments and county review. Staff flagged Prop 28 funding and constraints tied to site allocations and labor rules as implementation items that may require waivers.
The hearing concluded with staff committing to return with refined materials and to monitor state and federal budget developments during the 45‑day adjustment window.
