Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Los Banos Unified board approves first interim budget report, cites one‑time grants and enrollment gains
Summary
The school board approved the district’s first interim budget report, which the presenter said certifies that Los Banos Unified can meet its financial obligations for the current year and the following two years; trustees discussed enrollment gains, several one‑time grants and the impact on reserves.
The Los Banos Unified School District board voted to accept the district’s first interim budget report at its evening meeting, a document the presenter said certifies the district can meet its financial obligations for the current year and the two subsequent years.
The report, presented by a district staff member, highlighted an increase in unduplicated pupil count from 8,718 to 9,369 (an increase of 651) and listed multiple one‑time awards the district is counting on while it monitors average daily attendance (ADA). "We are monitoring the budget on a daily basis to make sure we stay fiscally solvent," the presenter said.
Why it matters: The interim report is the district’s mid‑year check on finances (covering July–October) and helps trustees and staff identify whether revenues and expenditures must be adjusted before the final budget. Board members pressed staff on which revenues are ongoing and which are one‑time awards, because one‑time funds cannot be used to cover recurring salary and benefit costs.
Key figures and funding: The presenter reported average daily attendance at about 10,231 and reiterated that recent awards include a Community Schools block grant (award letter referenced for roughly $20.1 million), an Inclusive Early Education expansion award (approximately $878,732), an IDEA special‑education award (figure cited in the transcript as ~$22,631), and two grants for green buses (approximately $2.4 million and $1.1 million). The presenter said the district projects total revenue in the current year in the low‑to‑mid‑hundreds of millions and reported an ending general‑fund balance cited in the presentation as roughly $22.2 million; the presenter emphasized that much of the district’s large fund balance is restricted carryover.
Trustee concerns and staff responses: Trustees asked about the newly announced attendance recovery program, how it would be staffed and whether detailed implementation plans exist. A trustee noted such recovery programs require certificated staff and associated costs; staff replied the program is voluntary for students, requires planning and will incur staffing costs, but could help increase ADA. Trustees also asked whether the Community Schools block grant award has been received as cash (the presenter said the district had only an award letter and expects reimbursement arrangements, with reporting and reimbursement rules varying by grant).
Board action: Member Cuso moved to accept the first interim report and Member Smith seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.
What’s next: Staff will continue daily budget monitoring, follow grant reporting and reimbursement schedules, and report back as required by state rules and the board’s budget calendar.
