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Perris Union High board certifies first interim budget but flags multi‑year shortfall
Summary
The Perris Union High School District board adopted a positive certification for its first interim budget Dec. 10, citing a stronger current-year fund balance and higher attendance but warning expenditures are projected to outpace revenue over the next two years.
Dr. Williams presented the district's first interim budget, recommending a "positive" certification after reporting improved current-year revenue and fund balance but warning of a projected structural shortfall in subsequent years.
The presentation, delivered during the Dec. 10 board meeting, summarized accounts for July 1'Oct. 31, 2025 and compared the adopted budget to the first interim. "It is my pleasure to present the first interim budget," Dr. Williams said, outlining revenue of roughly $210.5 million and combined general fund expenditures of about $221 million.
Why it matters: The board must certify interim budgets twice a year to show whether the district will meet its financial obligations for the current and next two fiscal years. Dr. Williams told trustees the district can meet obligations this year but cautioned that multi-year projections show the ending fund balance declining from about $41.3 million this year toward much lower levels by the third year.
Key figures and drivers: The district recorded an increase of about 141 students, lifting average daily attendance (ADA) from about 90.34% to 90.65% and contributing ~$238,000 of LCFF revenue. Overall revenue improved by roughly $3.78 million, in part because a one-time $2.4 million safety credit returned to the district. Expenditures rose by about $6 million, driven primarily by salary and benefit increases; capital outlay included a roughly $741,000 designation for safety equipment.
Trustees pressed staff on longer-term pressures, including rising pension (PERS) contribution rates, a projected lower COLA in 2026'27 than previously budgeted, and the expiration of COVID‑era one-time funds. "Long-term sustainability is a concern," Dr. Williams said, urging further analysis and a fiscal stabilization plan.
Overstaffing question: Board members raised a staff-count concern (an estimated 18 positions approximated at $3.3 million). Trustees asked for and received clarification that those 18 positions largely represent teachers on special assignments (TOSAs) or non-classroom roles, not classroom reductions. "Those 18 teachers ' $3.3 million ' they are not in the classroom," one trustee stated during the discussion; staff said HR and the budget advisory committee will provide more granular staffing and cost analyses in coming months.
Next steps: The board approved the interim report with a positive certification (item 15.10, passed 5-0). Dr. Williams and staff said they will continue multi-year modeling, pursue targeted contract reviews in January with the budget advisory committee, and develop recommendations for a fiscal stabilization plan if required.
The board recorded the vote to approve the first interim financial report and positive certification during the Dec. 10 meeting; staff will return with additional staffing detail and recommended next steps in early 2026.
