Board hears urgent call for FY27 budget turnaround; approves 4% pay raise for nonunion and SEIU staff

At the meeting’s new‑business segment, board member Mister Riddle read a letter urging the board to reject any FY27 budget that relies on large draws from cash reserves. Riddle told colleagues the district spent down roughly $39.7 million of its reserves this year from an earlier $106 million cushion and urged administration to prepare a revised FY27 budget that balances revenue and expenditures with minimal reliance on reserves. He proposed a June budget workshop that includes a line‑by‑line review of noninstructional costs, administrative overhead, staffing benchmarks and vendor contracts to identify sustainable savings.

Business office leadership acknowledged the concern and told the board administration and finance staff were working on options. The district treasurer (Miss Polk) said administration is preparing proposals and stressed that while funds remain in the bank the district must act to avoid forced state interventions if reserves fall too low.

On a separate vote the board approved a 4% pay increase for nonunion employees and for SEIU members under a negotiated 'me too' clause; administration estimated the total cost at $1,156,784.31. During discussion Board member Miss Anna voted no and Mister Riddle also voted no; the motion passed by roll call (yes 5, no 2). Board members asked administration to return with concrete options to address the structural deficit at the next budget meeting.

Why it matters: The board’s direction shapes how the district balances services and solvency. A near‑term plan could include staffing and contract changes and affect programs and personnel costs.

What’s next: Administration and the finance team were asked to present revised FY27 budget options, including targeted noninstructional savings and staffing analyses, at the next budget workshop.