Board certifies 2024-25 second interim budget as positive

The Santa Maria-Bonita School District board on March 12 voted unanimously to issue a positive certification of its 2024-25 Second Interim budget, after a presentation from district finance staff.

District staff said total enrollment is 17,488 with funded average daily attendance (ADA) of 16,502, an increase of 187 ADA since the first interim. The presentation credited several revenue increases: LCFF adjustments tied to enrollment, a rise in local receipts, teacher-residency grant awards and increased medical-billing reimbursements for services tied to Individualized Education Programs. Staff said special-education contracted services and targeted program spending contributed to higher expenditures, and that much of the year's deficit reflects planned use of one-time COVID-era funds currently held in the ending fund balance.

During discussion, board members asked for clarification about the source of teacher residency grants and how medical-billing reimbursements are recorded; staff explained the grants and reimbursements are state-sourced and reimburse documented services rather than directly funding staff salaries. Staff also described multi-year assumptions, including projected solar-project savings and cost pressures from rising benefit rates.

After the presentation a motion to issue a positive certification that the district can meet its financial obligations for 2024-25 and the two subsequent fiscal years carried by roll call vote.

The board will receive the district's budget adoption presentation in June, after the May revision of the state budget is released.