Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves resolution to uncommit Adult Ed funds for possible future budget use, 3–1
Summary
Trustees voted 3–1 to rescind a prior board commitment that restricted adult‑education ending balances, allowing staff to consider those one‑time funds as an option in future budget planning. Trustees requested a written plan showing preserved reserves and risks before any reallocation.
The Ventura Unified School District board on Aug. 6 approved a resolution (3–1) to ‘‘uncommit’’ previously reserved adult‑education funds, a move staff described as enabling future budget flexibility rather than an immediate reallocation.
Staff said a 2012 board resolution had dedicated Adult School ending balances for adult‑education purposes. Since then, the district has completed and funded many facility projects with bond proceeds, reducing the need for Adult School reserves to cover facilities costs. Staff described a potential ending fund balance of approximately $6.7 million (unaudited at the end of 2023–24) and said the Adult School also receives state and federal grants (reported as approximately $5.4 million annually) to cover operations.
Dr Mirza (business services) explained the resolution would not move funds automatically; instead it would remove the 2012 restriction so the board could consider using a portion of those one‑time reserves to address future budget pressures if needed. Staff recommended keeping a prudent reserve (discussed as at least $2.5–$3 million) so Adult School operations remain sustainable.
Trustee James foresight voted no and requested a clearer, written plan showing how much would remain reserved and how any one‑time spend would avoid creating structural deficits. Trustees Alicia lav and Calvin Peterson and President Dr Jerry Danenberg voted yes; the resolution passed 3–1. If the board later decides to use any uncommitted funds, staff said a subsequent board action would be required describing amounts and purposes.
