After lengthy public comment, board declines to certify waiver of 60% classroom‑spending requirement

District staff presented a Form CA analysis showing Franklin‑McKinley recorded 55.54% classroom spending for FY24‑25 under the state formula and explained adjustments that can be considered (e.g., adding certain contracted services back into the numerator). Jason (S11) said making select adjustments could raise the adjusted percentage to the 60% threshold, but staff described reasons the formula may not reflect on‑the‑ground classroom supports when services are coded as contracted operating expenditures.

Multiple teachers and union representatives urged the board to reject the waiver and prioritize restoring classroom staff. Melissa Garcia (S13) and Kelly Bloom (S14) called attention to lost social workers and librarians, and Tuanan Huynh (S17), president of FMEA, said the waiver should be a rare exception rather than routine. "By rejecting this request for a waiver, our board can send a powerful message to our district to prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable students," Garcia said. After questions about stakeholder notice and whether the district had shared updated analysis with teachers, trustee Rodriguez (S9) moved to not certify the Form CA exemption to the Education Code citation on the agenda; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Board members who opposed certification cited a need for more transparency about ending balances, comparative district selection and a clear plan for converting contracted services into staffed positions before approving future waivers.