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Santa Paula Unified board adopts second‑interim budget, staff warn of multiyear shortfall
Summary
Trustees approved the district’s second‑interim budget after staff reported a $1.7M revenue increase since first interim but cautioned that multi‑year projections show structural deficits that will require reductions or transfers if revenue assumptions do not improve.
The Santa Paula Unified School District board on March 11 approved the district’s second‑interim budget after a detailed presentation from fiscal staff that outlined revenue increases since the first interim and a concerning multiyear projection.
District finance staff reported a roughly $1.7 million increase in revenue since the first interim, citing LCFF adjustments, additional Medi‑Cal reimbursements and an equity multiplier and noting a $1.1 million improvement in the ending fund balance compared with the prior interim. However, the administration told trustees the district still faces multi‑year challenges: after accounting for planned transfers the district projects a $3.2 million deficit for 2025–26 in the multiyear projection summary and cautioned that without additional revenue or expenditure reductions the unrestricted ending fund balance could fall significantly by 2027–28.
During extended discussion trustees and staff reviewed the assumptions behind enrollment (ADA) forecasts, grant expirations, carryover balances and planned transfers (administration said a $3.7 million transfer was included in the multi‑year plan). Trustees asked for follow‑up on grant timing, which expenditures are expected to decline as grants end, and how the district will track A–G and grade‑level outcomes to ensure targeted interventions are funded efficiently.
District staff said some one‑time funds were being carried forward and that certain restricted program expenditures will decline next year as grants end; they also noted labor costs remain the largest expenditure category. Board members urged continued conservatism in assumptions and requested monthly updates on revenue trends, ADA, and the status of transfers and encumbrances.
The motion to approve the second‑interim budget passed at the meeting after trustee discussion; staff said final estimated actuals will be provided as projections are refined before the next budget cycle.
