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San Diego Unified says enacted state budget adds $116M but leaves large out‑year gaps
Summary
At a July 14 board meeting, CFO Amy Shackelford reported the enacted state budget raises San Diego Unified’s general fund by roughly $116 million for 2026–27 but the district’s multi‑year projection still shows $86M and $153M shortfalls in 2027–28 and 2028–29 respectively; trustees asked for more implementation guidance on withheld Prop 98 funds.
San Diego Unified’s chief financial officer, Amy Shackelford, told the school board that the governor’s signing of the state budget increases the district’s general fund by about $116,000,000 compared with the budget adopted in June.
"The governor signed the budget act on June 29, triggering tonight’s budget update," Shackelford said, and she detailed major ongoing increases, including an augmented COLA rising to 4.31% and higher special‑education base funding. She told the board that some investments are one‑time and that trailer‑bill implementation guidance is still being released.
Shackelford said the enacted budget provides ‘‘an additional $63,000,000 through the student services professional development discretionary block grant’’ beyond amounts in the adopted budget, and she estimated the overall general‑fund revenue increase at approximately $117,000,000 once flows are matched to expenditures. She also noted a roughly $1,000,000 expense impact from paid pregnancy disability leave.
Trustees pressed staff on the district’s multi‑year outlook. Trustee Hazen asked how the projected $86,000,000 shortfall in 2027–28 and the $153,000,000 shortfall in 2028–29 compare with prior years; Shackelford said those out‑year gaps are smaller than prior peak shortfalls but remain significant and are driven in part by the timing of one‑time funds.
Board members also asked about roughly $3.9 billion in Prop 98 funds the governor is withholding statewide. Shackelford said districts typically see revenue certification in the fall and that the timing of distribution could shift available dollars into 2027–28, which would reduce the projected deficit if those funds are ultimately allocated to the district.
The board did not take a final vote tied solely to the 45‑day presentation; staff said they will continue to refine multi‑year projections and present updates at the September unaudited actuals and the December interim review.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 611; topfinish SEG 715
