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Moreno Valley Unified adopts 2026‑27 budget; special‑education plan touted for gains
Summary
The board adopted the 2026‑27 budget after hearing a detailed presentation of revenue assumptions, reserves and a special‑education annual budget and service plan that SELPA leaders said has produced measurable data gains and a new strategic plan.
The Moreno Valley Unified School District Board voted to adopt the 2026‑27 budget after a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Susana Lopez that outlined LCFF assumptions (2.87% COLA), projected revenues and a multi‑year forecast. The budget passed on a 5‑1 vote (Trustee Brandy Clark voted no).
Lopez told trustees the district projects an estimated unrestricted ending fund balance of roughly $100.8 million on June 30, 2027, declining to an estimated $28.4 million by June 30, 2029, and emphasized the board’s required 3% reserve (approximately $20.7 million). She warned that state budget negotiations remain unsettled and said significant changes could require a 45‑day budget revision to reflect new state funding.
Separately, Jason Ramirez, executive director of the district SELPA, presented the Special Education 2026‑27 annual budget and service plan. Ramirez said staffing and benefits account for about three‑quarters of special‑education expenditures and that roughly 98% of the special‑education budget goes to staff and direct services. He told the board Moreno Valley provides 35 of 46 possible special‑education services and ranks fourth in per‑capita spending among the 10 largest Riverside County districts.
Ramirez highlighted recent improvements: Moreno Valley was one of 12 districts statewide singled out by the state special‑education director for growth in ELA and math for students with disabilities, and the district met indicator 5C for separate‑school placements for the first time after transitioning students into district programs. He also described the district’s new special‑education strategic‑planning work to produce a one‑to‑five‑year implementation roadmap.
After questions about multi‑year projections and how one‑time state allocations affect the district’s contribution to special education, the board approved the budget. The superintendent and finance staff said they will return to the board with any necessary mid‑summer adjustments if the state budget enacts material changes to revenue assumptions.
Actions recorded that evening included adoption of the special‑education annual budget and service plan (unanimous) and approval of the general budget (5‑1).
