Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Consultant: Perris Union must halt ADA decline, market district and pursue revenue
Summary
A fiscal health review found the district financially solvent but flagged declining enrollment, 89% ADA capture and deficit‑spending risks; the consultant recommended improving ADA, marketing district programs, pursuing asset revenue and stronger charter oversight.
An independent fiscal reviewer told the board the district is not in imminent receivership and "is in solid physical health," but warned trustees the top fiscal risks are deficit spending, declining enrollment and low average daily attendance (ADA). The consultant reported an ADA capture rate pre‑presentation of roughly 89%, noting high‑performing districts commonly achieve 90–95% ADA; she recommended a realistic interim target of 93%.
The presentation explained the direct budget impact: modest increases in ADA directly translate to material revenue (the consultant cited district‑specific estimates delivered to staff). The speaker urged targeted efforts: strengthen attendance monitoring, expand high‑interest programs (early/middle college, CTE pathways, arts and athletics), market district strengths to retain and attract students, and pursue asset‑management options covered earlier in the meeting.
Board members and staff discussed practical tactics: weekend/supplemental programs to boost ADA capture; focused marketing and community outreach (including exploring a name change to highlight partnership between Perris and Menifee); and a need for an enrollment study that tracks where students go and why. The consultant recommended improved charter oversight (to understand transfers to independent charters) and suggested auditing dependent charter spending for equity and sustainability.
The board asked staff to present a prioritized set of near‑term actions: (1) an ADA improvement plan, (2) an enrollment study and outreach/marketing plan, and (3) a property‑inventory and revenue estimate for asset use. Trustees said they will monitor progress and requested monthly updates on the priority metrics.
No fiscal actions or budget amendments were adopted at the session; staff were directed to return with the requested analyses.
