District hires outside facilitator to study structural fiscal issues and convene advisory committee

The Jefferson Elementary School District Board authorized a consulting engagement with School Services of California to guide a budget and facilities advisory committee through review of the district’s structural fiscal challenges.

Lynette Hodson, the School Services representative, told trustees the consultant’s role is to facilitate meetings, surface data, guide committee deliberations and deliver a written report with recommendations at the end of the process. Hodson differentiated facilitation from a presentation, saying facilitation organizes participation and helps the district “access information on their own.” She described typical deliverables as a series of committee meetings, community input sessions and a final set of recommendations.

Trustees asked how community input would be solicited and how the district would balance representation across bargaining units, school sites and community groups. Hodson and Superintendent Mulik described plans for a committee of roughly 25–35 members that would meet monthly beginning in September, with committee communications shared after each meeting. Trustees said they expect a report of recommendations by April 2026 and emphasized both short‑term and long‑term options should be identified.

The board approved the not‑to‑exceed $32,500 engagement by roll call vote. Business Services staff will finalize the contract and post committee recruitment materials.