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Petaluma City Schools presents proposed 2026–27 budget, projects positive certification amid carryover uncertainty
Summary
District business staff presented a proposed 2026–27 budget and three‑year projections showing positive certification under current assumptions, citing a 2.87% statutory COLA and a 1.44% "super COLA," with reserves above the state minimum but labor negotiations and state budget finalization still outstanding.
Presenter (Business Services) presented the district's proposed 2026'27 budget and multi'year projections, saying the district projects "positive certification, meaning we can meet our financial obligations in the current fiscal year and throughout our multi-year projection period." The presentation said total general fund revenue is projected at approximately $137.6 million and total general fund expenditures at approximately $135.9 million for 2026'27, driven primarily by enrollment, attendance and LCFF funding assumptions.
The presenter emphasized two state items that shaped the outlook: a 2.87% statutory COLA and an additional 1.44% "super COLA" included in the governor's May revision. The latter was described as one-time in nature and therefore uncertain in future years, while the budget also reflects increased state support for special education and other one-time funds in the May revision.
Board members pressed for context about reserves and payroll. Amanda (district finance staff) explained that the district's monthly payroll exceeds $10 million and that a 3% unrestricted reserve would cover roughly two weeks of payroll. The presenter said current projections keep the district above the state required minimum reserve across the three-year projection but cautioned that assumptions will change until the state budget is finalized.
The presentation also noted the budget does not yet include unsettled compensation increases for current bargaining units; negotiations could materially affect ongoing costs and were flagged as a near-term risk. The presenter recommended continued monitoring of enrollment, staffing and revenue assumptions and said any material staffing changes after the June 4 cutoff would require a 45-day budget revision for board review.
Next steps: staff will continue refining the multi-year projections as state budget actions and final audited actuals become available; the board will receive updated carryover and budget figures in July and August as staff completes year-end accounting.
