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Desert Sands CFO outlines 2026–27 budget pressures and a historic special‑ed increase
Summary
District budget staff presented a May‑revision picture showing a 2.87% COLA plus a 1.44% augmentation, a projected ~380 student decline, and about $7 million in additional special education revenue; trustees raised concerns about enrollment losses and the need to avoid layoffs.
The Desert Sands Unified School District presented its proposed 2026–27 budget at the June 9 board meeting, reviewing state May‑revision assumptions, revenue drivers and district cost pressures.
Budget presenter Mr. Aquino told trustees the state’s May revision projects a 2.87% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) plus a 1.44% augmentation that the governor described as funding for a paid pregnancy disability proposal. The district expects roughly $11 million in additional LCFF (Local Control Funding Formula) revenue tied to COLA but warned of enrollment declines that reduce per‑pupil funding: Mr. Aquino projected a 380‑student decline into 2026–27 and said cumulative declines over recent years have cost the district roughly $22 million in funding.
A major positive was a historic state increase in special education funding, which Mr. Aquino said could add about $7 million to the district next year and reduce the district’s special‑education contribution by an estimated $35 million across the general fund calculus. At the same time, district costs include step‑and‑column salary movement and multi‑year compensation agreements that create ongoing obligations in personnel budgets.
Trustees pressed on consolidation and staffing choices. "Ever since I've been on this board, we're functioning in a deficit," one trustee said, asking whether site consolidation may be on the table given sustained enrollment declines. Another trustee urged caution about layoffs and asked administration to pursue cuts thoughtfully in order to avoid sudden staff reductions.
Mr. Aquino framed the larger fiscal context—state revenue volatility linked to capital gains, tech sector performance and potential policy changes—while stressing that some one‑time state proposals (such as paid pregnancy disability leave) carry potential recurring costs for districts depending on how they are funded. He also noted that the district will not assume one‑time state discretionary funds until their permanence is clarified.
What happens next: the district will continue budget development and multi‑year projections and return with more detailed analyses and action recommendations; board members requested continued updates and careful consideration of personnel implications before any reductions.
Sources: Budget presentation and trustee discussion at Desert Sands Unified School District board meeting, June 9, 2026; direct remarks by Mr. Aquino.
