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District finance team presents 2026–27 budget proposal; board hears revenue, special‑education and COLA updates
Summary
Finance staff presented the proposed 2026–27 budget and multi‑year projections, citing LCFF COLA estimates, a state special‑education funding increase and a one‑time Proposition 98 block grant; the board opened required public hearings and approved several consent items including contract awards and policy amendments.
Amber Chavis, the district finance coordinator, reviewed the proposed 2026–27 budget and multi‑year projections at the board meeting and outlined the assumptions the district used to build the plan.
Chavis told the board the state COLA for LCFF was included at about 2.87% and noted a proposed discretionary augmentation of roughly 1.44% related to a state paid‑leave proposal. She said the state had also proposed substantial investments in special education (reported in presentation as $2.4 billion ongoing statewide) and a large one‑time Proposition 98 block grant (presented as $5 billion statewide). Chavis emphasized these numbers were subject to change and that the district would return for formal adoption after the public‑hearing process.
On the district’s own projections, Chavis presented estimated revenues and expenditures: current‑year revenues in the six‑figure millions, projected expenditures exceeding revenues in the near term and a projected ending fund balance (about $42 million) that includes restricted funds, board‑committed items and an ADA contingency. She said the district projects to remain in positive certification for the next three years under the stated assumptions.
Board members asked clarifying questions about the designation of safety‑related board‑committed funds (noted as $1.9 million) and the proposed paid‑leave mandate (14 weeks of paid pregnancy leave), and staff described ongoing monitoring of guidance and costs. Chavis said formal adoption of the budget will be scheduled at a subsequent meeting (the staff presentation noted a return for formal action on June 23).
As part of the meeting the board opened and closed several statutorily required public hearings (LCAP, Education Protection Act, budget hearings) and approved multiple consent agenda motions related to procurement and contracts: an amendment to the superintendent employment agreement (clerical correction), approval of the district Injury and Illness Prevention Plan for 2026–27, authorizations granting the superintendent temporary hiring authority for specified periods, FQ#10‑256 plumbing upgrades at Yucaipa High School, consultant agreements (including Western Health) and a targeted supplemental literacy program agreement. The motions were moved, seconded and recorded as approved by voice vote.
Next steps: staff said the board would consider final adoption of the budget and associated action items at a scheduled future meeting after the close of the public‑hearing period.
