New Haven Unified board approves first interim budget, designates January 2025 as Disability Awareness Month

The New Haven Unified School District Board of Education on Dec. 10 approved its 2024–25 first interim budget and multi-year projections after a district presentation showing a healthier-than-expected ending fund balance.

During the presentations portion of the meeting, the district's budget presenter, Ms. Hman, told trustees the interim covers activity from July 1 through the end of October and reflects updated state and local projections. "The 11.7 million is a positive change," she said, adding that roughly $9.8 million of that increase stems from prior-year, restricted one-time adjustments that provided relief to the general fund.

Ms. Hman reviewed the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) components — base, supplemental and concentration grants — and said LCFF revenue under the formula is $124.5 million. She noted the district is using the state-enacted cost-of-living adjustment of 2.93% for planning, even as the Legislative Analyst's Office projected 2.46%. The presenter cautioned the board that the three-year projection showing an ending balance near 25% could shrink once unsettled contract years and final, certified CalPADS enrollment numbers are received and the governor releases January budget proposals.

The board later voted to approve the first interim report and the multi-year projections for 2025–26 and 2026–27. The motion was made and seconded and the transcript records the motion as carried by roll call; the transcript does not record a detailed member-by-member tally for that vote.

Trustees also took several additional actions. They unanimously adopted Resolution No. 0242 425 designating January 2025 as Disability Awareness Month and encouraging schools to incorporate disability history and rights into curriculum. The resolution text cited Census Bureau statistics on Californians with disabilities and affirmed the district's commitment to inclusive education.

The board approved a contract with Brelli and Race Consulting Engineers for environmental-study services for the Cesar Chavez Middle School track and field project, approved an MOU with "Envision Your Pathway" for the 2024–25 school year, and approved an MOU with California State University, East Bay intended to expand higher-education access; motions on those items were recorded as carried.

Superintendent Dr. Thompson and trustees also used the meeting to thank departing trustees and staff and to report on professional development and community events. Dr. Thompson said the district is awaiting certified enrollment numbers and the governor's January education proposals and that a second interim update will follow in March.

The board completed several routine personnel and student readmission votes (the transcript shows the motions carried) and approved consent items 13.1 through 13.33. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:01 p.m.