San Luis Coastal board adopts LCAP and 2026–27 budget amid SB 931 uncertainty; routine financial resolutions approved

The San Luis Coastal Unified Board of Education on Wednesday adopted the district's 2026—27 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and approved a balanced 2026—27 budget after trustees discussed reserve levels and ongoing uncertainty about state funding tied to SB 931.

Assistant Superintendent Lisa, who led the LCAP presentation, told the board the plan represents roughly 7% of district operating funds and is informed by stakeholder engagement and an open public-comment period. "This plan aligns with the board's set priorities of academic achievement, culture of care, talent development and staff support," she said. Trustee Rob Buckman moved approval of the LCAP; the motion passed and the board adopted the plan as presented.

Budget and reserves were the focus of a lengthier discussion. Superintendent Pinkerton and staff reviewed revenue assumptions, noted the governor's pending May revision and described SB 931's potential impact on district finances. Pinkerton said the district's current unrestricted reserves are approximately 5% and reiterated board priorities to restore fiscal stability, support staff and maintain critical student programs. "We will continue to evaluate the budget over the summer and can make adjustments if state or local revenues change," he said.

Trustees emphasized caution about treating one-time or short-term revenue as recurring. Trustee Clawson moved to adopt the 2026—27 budget; the motion carried 6—1 (Trustee Banfield voted no). Trustee comments showed support for preserving programs while rebuilding reserves: "One-time funds should not be used to create recurring obligations," one trustee said during the debate.

The board also approved several routine financial resolutions that staff described as annual housekeeping: - Resolution 21-25-26 authorizing year-end fund transfers (motion by Mr. Anger; approved 6—0 with one absence). - Resolution 22-5-26 for a committed fund-balance authorization for adult education (approved; one abstention noted in the roll call). - Resolution 23-25-26 authorizing temporary interfund borrowing if needed (approved).

District finance staff and trustees noted other budget items: the district received a $3.2 million state matching payment tied to Measure C projects and expects to finalize Baywood campus plans in coming months. Staff also reported tentative agreements with bargaining units (CSEA, SEIU, SLCTA) are slated for member ratification and will be presented to the board for final approval.

The board approved the use of Education Protection Account funds (approximately $1.4 million) to support salary costs as in prior years.

What's next: The district will continue to monitor state action on SB 931, property-tax receipts and enrollment changes over the summer; staff said any material changes to revenue or enrollment would be brought back to the board for adjustments to the budget or LCAP.

Votes at a glance: - Adopt 2026—27 LCAP: Approved (motion: Mr. Buckman; outcome: approved) - Adopt 2026—27 budget: Approved 6—1 (motion: Mr. Clawson; dissent: Mr. Banfield) - Resolution 21-25-26 (year-end transfers): Approved (motion: Mr. Anger; outcome: approved 6—0, one absence) - Resolution 22-5-26 (committed fund balance for adult education): Approved (one abstention recorded) - Resolution 23-25-26 (temporary borrowing): Approved - EPA funds allocation: Approved

Sources and provenance: presentation and deliberations (topicintro: SEG 1487; topfinish: SEG 2770).