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Tehachapi Unified projects multi‑year deficits but keeps reserves; LCAP adds tutoring and attendance incentives
Summary
District business staff proposed a FY26‑27 budget that projects a $2.1 million deficit next year but preserves reserves; the LCAP adds targeted uses of one‑time learning‑recovery funds (high‑dosage tutoring at Jacobson Middle School, AVID expansion, attendance incentives) to address learning and chronic absenteeism.
Tehachapi Unified School District business manager Mr. Entazari presented the proposed 2026‑27 budget and multi‑year projection, emphasizing state funding uncertainty and an increase in costs tied to salary and benefit obligations.
For the current fiscal year (projected to close June 30, 2026), Mr. Entazari estimated total revenue of $65.9 million and expenditures of $67.36 million, producing an approximate $1.4 million deficit; he attributed improvements from earlier projections to spending reductions and one‑time revenue adjustments. For 2026‑27 he projected $66.86 million in revenue and about $69 million in expenditures, an estimated $2.129 million deficit that would reduce restricted balances in coming years.
Entazari highlighted special‑education support (an unusual $1,340 per ADA increase targeted to students with disabilities), the state’s one‑time learning‑recovery emergency block grant and the governor’s so‑called “super COLA” proposals. He cautioned that the district remains structurally dependent on statewide revenue variability and capital‑gains‑driven budget swings and that multi‑year sustainability depends on controlling ongoing expenditures.
In a complementary presentation, Assistant Superintendent Andrea Paxton reviewed the 2026‑27 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP retains three goals (staffing/facilities, student outcomes, social‑emotional learning/attendance). Paxton noted measurable gains — college and career indicator up 13.7%, A‑through‑G completion up 10%, IEP compliance improved to 98% — but said English learners and foster/homeless youth remain red indicators in ELA and math. To target those needs, the district allocated learning‑recovery funds to expand AVID to Jacobson Middle School, provide high‑dosage math tutoring during the school day, implement professional development for explicit instruction for English learners, and continue and tailor attendance incentives.
Board members asked about assumptions in the May Revise, the timing of state budget enactment and plans if one‑time state funds do not materialize. Staff said budgets will be updated when final state action occurs and that any enacted one‑time funds would be reflected in first interim revisions.
Next steps: The board completed the required public hearing on the budget and the LCAP and will adopt a final budget consistent with statutory deadlines; staff will return with updates if state action changes revenue expectations.
