District adopts 2025–26 budget, approves multiple CTE and transportation purchases after financial update

The Merced Union High School District board unanimously adopted the proposed 2025–26 budget and positive certification following a financial update from Dr. Weimer, who reported a recent bond-rating upgrade from Moody's and summarized state-level budget actions that confirm a 2.3% COLA. He said one-time funding in the state framework was reduced from earlier estimates, which may lower expected one-time revenue to the district.

Following the budget discussion, the board approved several procurement and budget-related items recommended by staff:

- Award of bids for eight light-duty crew-cab pickup trucks to support CTE programs across sites (funded with CTE funds/grants). - Approval of a CTE grant-funded shed project to house a fire truck for Livingston High School’s Public Service Academy. - Authorization to purchase up to five replacement transportation buses (two available now, up to three more if they become available), funded through the transportation fund. - Approval of CTE lab computers and peripherals for Golden Valley High School’s information and communication technology pathway (purchase via piggyback contract). - Approval of 2025–26 salary schedules, including a requested technical correction to one certificated-management step; staff said the schedules reflect COLA adjustments and are required for CalSTRS/CalPERS compliance.

Trustees asked questions about equipment pricing and asset tracking. Staff confirmed asset-tracking procedures and said vehicle and overtime cost comparisons versus sheriff-based arrangements would be provided where relevant. All motions on the consent and action agenda items passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff will finalize purchases, continue required procurement steps, and provide requested comparative cost information to trustees.