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Somerton board approves revised FY25-26 budget, orders $20 million bond and signs multiple personnel actions
Summary
At its May meeting the Somerton School District board approved a revised FY25-26 budget reflecting a 2% state increase to base support, voted to place a $20 million bond before voters, and approved several personnel actions including certified-contract offers and teacher releases with 1% fines where noted.
The Somerton School District governing board on Monday approved a revised fiscal year 2025–26 budget, voted to order a special election for a $20 million bond, and adopted several personnel actions, the board announced.
Board members said the budget revision reflects a 2% increase approved by the state, bringing the district's base support level to $5,113.26 per average daily membership (ADM), plus $69,773 in one-time funding and an FY25 carry-forward of $1,693 (about 7.2% of last year's budget). District finance staff also reported the district's total primary tax rate would be 1.7142 under current estimates.
The budget revision vote was moved by Mrs. Christina Clark and seconded by Mrs. Gladys Anaya; the motion carried.
Why it matters: Board members said the revision updates revenue and carry-forward estimates so the district can close the fiscal year and carry a prudent fund balance into FY26.
In a separate action, the board approved a resolution to call a special bond election for $20 million intended to support new construction, technology upgrades, maintenance projects, transportation and school safety improvements. The proposed bond package was reviewed previously in a March work study session and the district's bond attorney joined the meeting by phone; Ken of Stifel Public Finance was also available by phone to answer questions.
Miss Christina Clark moved to adopt the bond resolution; Mrs. Gladys Anaya seconded. The motion passed with one recorded nay.
Votes at a glance:
- Revised FY25–26 budget (Action 6.1): Motion by Mrs. Clark; second Mrs. Anaya; outcome: approved.
- Bond resolution ordering $20 million special election (Action 6.2): Motion by Miss Clark; second Mrs. Anaya; outcome: approved (one nay recorded).
Administrative and personnel approvals: The board also approved a notice of appointment for FY26–27 administrative positions and authorized offering certified staff contracts for FY26–27. Motions were made by Mrs. Gladys Anaya and seconded by Miss Christina Clark; both motions carried.
The board approved two teacher resignations/releases (one effective May 8, 2026; one effective May 22, 2026) and separately voted to apply a 1% contract fine where policy requires. Motions to approve the releases and the 1% fines were moved by Ms. Clark and seconded by Mrs. Anaya; the motions carried.
What happens next: The district will proceed with preparing materials for the bond committee and special election if the bond remains on the calendar. The board noted upcoming budget-adoption deadlines and scheduling options for the required public hearings and adoption timeline.
The board adjourned at 6:42 p.m.; the next regular meeting date was announced as June 9 with a proposed June 23 meeting to meet budget-adoption timing.
