Rialto Unified adopts updated developer fees and authorizes budget transfer authority after trustees press for transparency

The Rialto Unified School District board adopted two finance items Tuesday: an updated Level‑1 statutory developer fee schedule consistent with state guidance, and a resolution (25‑26‑29) authorizing staff to process transfers of appropriations during the fiscal year to reflect operational changes.

Doug Floyd, the district’s consultant on school fees, told trustees the fees are intended to offset the facility costs associated with new residential or commercial development and are capped by state law. Floyd explained that the district’s fee schedule aligns with the state’s adjustments and that fees are paid as a condition of building permits.

On the budget transfer resolution, trustees asked for more transparency and guardrails. One trustee raised concerns that frequent interfund movement can create the appearance of budget flexibility without board oversight: "When you have where we can just move back and forth without the board really being in tune, I think the handle of it is not as tight," the trustee said. Staff responded that the item is meant to allow timely accounting updates for routine and sometimes time‑sensitive school‑site operational decisions (for example shifting money from a field trip line to Chromebook purchases) and that the district already provides monthly reports on budget revisions. Staff also noted system limitations that make some transfers operationally necessary between board meetings.

Trustees approved both items. The developer fee resolution passed by recorded vote; the transfer‑of‑appropriations authority was approved with trustees agreeing to continue regular reporting to the board to preserve transparency.