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Carpinteria Unified adopts 2025–26 budget, renews legal‑services contracts amid public criticism over legal spending
Summary
The board adopted the 2025–26 budget and renewed legal‑services agreements (including Fagan, Freeman & Fullfrost LLP) on June 24; public commenters criticized millions in legal spending and said redirected funds could support programs such as Carpinteria Family School.
Carpinteria Unified trustees adopted the district’s proposed 2025–26 budget at the June 24 meeting and approved several business items, including renewal of legal‑services agreements and purchases for technology and food services.
The board approved warrants totaling $969,067.24 and accepted a donation for renovation of preschool yards estimated at $400,000–$600,000. Trustees also authorized purchases of MacBooks and replacement computer lab equipment for Carpinteria Middle School, and kitchen equipment and transport cabinets funded through restricted grants.
Public testimony focused on the district’s legal spending. Union representatives and other speakers criticized the district’s decisions to pursue appeals and retain outside counsel, saying cumulative legal fees have run into the millions and arguing those funds could be redirected to preserve programs such as Carpinteria Family School. "A fraction of that could have saved the Family School," a union representative said, urging the board to cancel a contract renewal with the district’s long‑standing law firm.
Board members asked staff to continue to show legal fees more explicitly in future presentations to improve public transparency; staff said legal fees are included in the budget materials and can be highlighted again in future public materials.
The budget adoption and contract renewals were approved by motion; the transcript shows votes in favor during the meeting's roll calls and the items were adopted.
