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District projects improved revenue but warns of out-year structural deficit in 2026–27 budget presentation
Summary
Perris Union High School District staff presented a proposed 2026–27 budget showing higher LCFF revenue and a positive estimated-actuals swing; staff said the district must address projected multi-year structural imbalances and asked trustees to review allocations and reserve strategies; the board received the budget for review 5-0.
Dr. Margarite Williams, representing the district 2019s business services team, presented the proposed 2026 201327 budget and 2025 201326 estimated actuals and answered trustees 2019 questions about revenue assumptions, one-time funds and staffing.
"We are standing before you presenting a positive budget," Dr. Williams told the board, describing a swing from prior interim projections to an estimated-actuals position that staff characterized in discussion as a one-million-dollar improvement to the ending fund balance. She said increased funded ADA and supplemental counts produced higher LCFF revenue and that the district 2019s total LCFF entitlement was $168.1 million with about $36.1 million in supplemental/concentration dollars.
Williams outlined the district 2019s multi-year projections showing revenue rising in the near term but also a projected structural imbalance beginning with a $7.1 million shortfall in 2026 201327 and widening in the out years unless adjustments are made. She said the superintendent 2019s budget advisory committee will review options that preserve classroom spending where possible and that the district currently maintains about a 6% reserve.
Trustees pressed for greater site-level detail on how large budget totals translate into specific staff and programs. Trustee Hall asked for a simple spreadsheet showing how the $16.1 million (example number cited in presentation) breaks down by site and program; Dr. Williams said staff would provide a more detailed breakdown and that she would deliver a spreadsheet to trustees the next day.
On special education, Williams said the presentation had already included the governor 2019s May revise increase (about 34%) in AB602 funding and that special education projections were part of the estimated-actuals and the 2026 201327 proposal. Trustees also discussed one-time state funding proposals and agreed staff would continue to prioritize student needs in allocating discretionary one-time dollars.
Following discussion, Trustee Hall moved and Trustee Stafford seconded to receive the proposed 2026 201327 district budget for review and consideration; the motion passed 5-0. Staff advised trustees the budget will be updated if the state budget changes and that the board will revisit material adjustments at the August meeting.
