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Sequoia Union board reviews conservative 2026–27 proposed budget, adoption set for June 17
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Jana Marking presented the Sequoia Union High School District’s proposed 2026–27 budget, projecting $268.3 million in revenues, significant special-education contributions (~$40M), and cautioning that reserves could fall below the board’s 8% policy under current assumptions.
Assistant Superintendent Jana Marking presented a detailed overview of the Sequoia Union High School District’s proposed 2026–27 budget at the board’s June 10 meeting, saying the package will be brought back for adoption on June 17.
Marking told trustees the district projects $268,278,833 in total revenues for 2026–27, with approximately 85% of general‑fund revenues unrestricted and property taxes accounting for the largest share. She summarized estimated actuals for 2025–26, noting projected revenue of $267,965,348 and projected expenditures that slightly exceed revenue for the current year.
The presentation emphasized that nearly 85% of expenditures are salaries and benefits. Marking said the district projects an annual contribution to special education of about $40 million because program costs exceed state and federal allocations. She cited Education Code 17070.75 when explaining that special‑education expenditures drive a structural contribution from unrestricted funds.
Marking reviewed multi‑year projection assumptions and risks: conservative property‑tax growth assumptions, health‑care cost escalation (8% annual assumption), the absence of bargained but unsettled compensation increases in the baseline, and the sunset of one‑time grants. She also noted a separate reserve assignment to manage exposure from the ongoing Janentech settlement matter.
Trustees asked clarifying questions and the budget subcommittee expressed support for a conservative approach and for closer monitoring of variables such as the state budget (May Revision) and potential salary negotiations. Marking warned that the district could see unrestricted reserves fall below the board policy 8% target if current assumptions hold.
The board fulfilled the statutory requirement to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget; action on adoption is scheduled for the June 17 meeting, after the Legislature’s final budget and any related trailer‑bill language are known.
