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El Rancho Unified reports $5.36 million interim gap, board directs enrollment review
Summary
District fiscal staff presented a first interim report showing a projected $5.364 million draw on committed funds and recommended a fiscal-stabilization approach; trustees asked for more data, approved outreach and a roadshow, and directed creation of an enrollment-focused committee to address declining attendance.
Lillian Huntenberg, the district's director of fiscal services, told the El Rancho Unified School District Board of Education that the first interim report for fiscal year 2024'25 shows a "positive certification" but includes a projected $5,364,000 reduction in unrestricted fund balance that the district plans to absorb using committed funds.
"This evening's interim is data as of 01/31/2025," Huntenberg said, adding that total projected revenue across funds is about $110,400,000 and that salaries and benefits remain roughly 80% of the general fund. She identified declining enrollment year over year (about 200 students), increased special-education and transportation costs, and the winding down of one-time COVID dollars as primary drivers of pressure.
Why it matters: the board must maintain a legally required reserve and present a plan to Los Angeles County Office of Education if the district's multi-year projections show out-year deficits. Huntenberg said El Rancho maintains a 5% reserve by district policy (the state minimum is 3%) but is preparing a fiscal-stabilization plan that identifies potential expenditure reductions, revenue enhancements and an early-retirement incentive.
Board members pressed for numbers and next steps. Trustee questions focused on the size of the projected deficit, what lines are overspending, and what cost-saving measures have already been implemented. Huntenberg said the $5.364 million gap is currently offset by committed funds and that some low-hanging savings (conference travel, discretionary spending) have been enacted, with further updates due at the second interim in March.
The board asked for clearer departmental tracking. "When we set the budget, I want to know how we are performing against budget, because we're just seeing raw outcomes," one trustee said; Huntenberg replied that the first interim is conservative because some cost savings and the possible impact of an early-retirement incentive are not yet fully recognized.
Enrollment and governance response: trustees widely agreed on the need for a targeted enrollment-and-retention effort. Members described models from neighboring districts and requested the business office's projections and PowerSchool reports be shared regularly with the board. The board gave consensus direction to establish an enrollment committee to analyze recruitment and retention strategies, review demographic projections, and bring back a concrete plan and metrics.
Next steps: district staff will continue regular reporting and present a second interim in March with updated numbers; the board also asked for an outreach "roadshow" to explain fiscal realities to schools, employees and the public and requested clearer documentation about which projects are funded by bond or restricted dollars versus the general fund.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 1450; topfinish SEG 1799.
