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Board adopts LCAP and certifies 2026–27 budget as staff warns of reserve erosion
Summary
Trustees approved the Local Control and Accountability Plan and certified the district’s 2026–27 budget; staff projected $74.4 million in revenue, ~$77.5 million in expenditures, a 7.26% reserve projection and noted the statewide COLA plus a 1.44% augmentation to fund paid pregnancy leave.
The Southern Kern Unified School District board unanimously approved the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and certified the 2026–27 budget after a staff presentation that highlighted revenue assumptions, state-level risks and program funding.
Mr. Wexler reviewed the local performance indicators that feed into the LCAP, saying the district self-rated most local metrics at or near implementation levels and drew attention to family-engagement work, the parent community center and survey results including concerns about breakfast participation and cyberbullying rates. "We evaluate ourselves, and we are always at standard met," Wexler said while summarizing the dashboard indicators.
Mr. Irvin presented the budget for 2026–27, citing projected revenue of approximately $74,400,000 and projected expenditures of roughly $77,500,000. He said the district’s estimated funded average daily attendance (ADA) is 3,401 and the unduplicated pupil percentage is projected near 81 percent. Staff projected an ending reserve of about 7.26 percent for 26–27 and cautioned that multi‑year projections show reserves declining toward the district minimum if current trends continue.
Irvin also explained the state cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 26–27 of 4.31 percent and an additional augmentation of 1.44 percent tied to paid pregnancy leave for eligible employees; he noted staff have not completed a detailed historical analysis of how many employees will use the benefit and that accounting and segregation of those funds with the county office remain outstanding tasks. "We need to monitor what that 1.44 looks like for your district," Irvin said.
Trustees moved and seconded to approve the LCAP as presented and to certify the district budget; both motions were approved by voice vote. The board directed staff to return with updates as state budget trailer bills and the 45-day revision process clarify revenues and to continue monitoring reserves and labor negotiations.
