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Morland presents LCAP progress and cautious 2026'27 budget outlook as negotiations loom
Summary
District staff reported gains in ELA and math and introduced new LCAP actions focused on data literacy and MTSS, but highlighted declines for homeless students and higher suspension and chronic-absence concerns. A May-Revise budget presentation projects a roughly $2.9 million unrestricted ending balance for 2026'27 but staff cautioned unsettled labor negotiations could erase that cushion.
District leaders on Monday presented the 2026'27 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) update and a preliminary budget outlook that both showcased academic gains and flagged continuing equity and fiscal challenges.
The LCAP presentation reviewed multiple indicators of progress and areas for attention. Staff reported districtwide green performance in English language arts and math on the state dashboard, and highlighted improvements for English learners and Hispanic students in several measures. At the same time, presenters flagged declines for homeless youth and socioeconomically disadvantaged students in state test results and an increase in suspension rates for several subgroups.
"Our chronic absenteeism has decreased, by 0.09 districtwide and 2% for Hispanic students," presenter Chris Barbara said, noting progress in attendance while also calling out groups that remain in the red on the dashboard. District staff proposed new LCAP actions emphasizing principal support for MTSS, data production and teacher coaching to improve tier-one instruction and accelerate gains.
The budget presentation outlined assumptions from the state May Revision: a proposed 4.31% LCFF COLA and higher per-ADA special-education funding. District finance staff projected unrestricted revenues of roughly $50.5 million and an estimated ending unrestricted balance near $2.9 million for 2026'27. But staff repeatedly warned that the district has not yet settled any bargaining-unit negotiations for 2026'27, and that settlements could materially change the outlook.
"We don't have any negotiated settlements for any of the bargaining units for 26'27," district fiscal staff said; the remark underscored that pending labor costs remain the largest fiscal uncertainty. Staff described one-time state discretionary proposals (including a multi-billion dollar discretionary fund statewide) and advised the board to use one-time funds for temporary supports rather than ongoing salary commitments.
Why it matters: The LCAP shapes how the district channels federal, state and local funds toward priorities such as closing achievement gaps, attendance, and student mental health. With several measures still underperforming for high-need groups, the board must balance instructional investments with near-term fiscal constraints.
What's next: The district opened a public hearing on the LCAP (required before final adoption) and will return with recommended administrative and budget actions. Finance staff said the next formal budget checkpoints are the first interim (December) and subsequent reports, when negotiated settlements and updated state actions will be reflected.
