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Board approves second interim budget after in‑depth audit committee questions
Summary
The board adopted the 2024‑25 second interim financial report showing a multi‑year projection shaped by declining enrollment, LCFF adjustments and notable increases in non‑payroll categories (books, supplies, services/consulting). Trustees requested detailed line‑item follow‑ups on spikes in consulting and other transfers.
The Newark Unified School District board voted to approve the district's 2024‑25 second interim budget after a lengthy presentation and scrutiny from trustees.
Assistant Superintendent Jose Canana and Fiscal Director Nancy Chen presented the report, explaining assumptions behind LCFF adjustments, a three‑year ADA rolling average (about 4,750) and multi‑year projections that reflect enrollment declines. The presentation highlighted a beginning unrestricted fund balance of approximately $3.84 million and identified net changes in revenues and expenses compared with the first interim.
Trustees pressed staff on two major drivers of the budget variance: a jump in books & supplies (from ~$1.94M prior to a projected ~$5.29M) and an increase in services and operating costs (roughly $814K higher than prior assumptions), with consulting line items notably up year‑to‑year. Member Thomas asked for a breakdown of the roughly $969K in other transfers and for detail on one‑time grant timing that affects the numbers. Chen and Canana said some increases reflect grant carryovers and multi‑year obligations (for example, art & music block grant commitments) and that staff will provide a deeper line‑by‑line explanation.
After discussion the board approved the second interim certification (positive certification) by roll call. Trustees urged staff to return with more detailed schedules on consulting contracts, books & supplies increases, and other transfers so the board can monitor corrective actions.
Next steps: staff will provide the requested drill‑down on consulting expenditures, the other transfers line and the carryover schedules cited in the presentation; audit committee follow‑up expected.
