Newport-Mesa trustees unanimously approve 2026–27 budget, LCAP and textbook adoptions

The Newport‑Mesa Unified School District board approved a series of annual actions at its June 23 meeting, including the required Prop 30/55 resolution and the district’s 2026–27 all‑funds budget. All recorded roll‑call votes on those items were unanimous, 6‑0.

Board staff presented the budget as balanced and noted operational efficiencies that will reduce consultant and service costs next year. “We show a fairly significant reduction in our services or consultant costs for next year, about $8,000,000,” a district finance official said during the presentation.

The board also completed its annual planning actions: formal adoption of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and related local performance indicators, approval of textbook adoptions for secondary courses, and confirmation of the slate of 2026–27 student board members. Each of those items was moved, seconded and approved by roll call, with trustees voting yes on each measure.

Trustees asked questions about several budget line items before the vote, including transportation costs. District staff said transportation totals include distinct programs—home‑to‑school routes, special‑education transport and athletics/activities—and that some travel and charter costs remain outsourced. The staff noted the transportation budget’s composition makes line‑item comparisons complex and recommended a deeper review in the coming year.

Board members also raised Fund 17 (an endowment/interest fund) as a topic for a future reserve discussion. District staff said options for how to use Fund 17 interest—whether to spend it on educational enhancements or hold it in reserve—will be part of broader reserve planning when more funding is available.

The board’s unanimous votes concluded the formal business portion of the meeting; trustees moved on to informal reports and adjourned after brief closing remarks.