Board approves preliminary March 15 notices and adopts second interim budget snapshot amid rising special‑education costs

The board considered a multi‑item budget package that included proposals to issue preliminary March 15 reduction‑in‑force notices, followed by a staff presentation of the 2nd interim financial snapshot.

District staff explained that March 15 is the statutory deadline to issue preliminary notices in order to preserve the option to reduce staff next year; the superintendent’s staff emphasized that notices are preliminary and final decisions are due in mid‑May. "March 15 is a deadline where if we don't project potential reductions in staff, we cannot reduce staff for the next year," one presenter said, explaining the legal timing driver. Trustees and speakers emphasized the human impact of notices and discussed the district’s reserve level (presented at 13.5% in the 2nd interim) and the possibility of restoring some positions before final notices are issued.

The 2nd interim presentation highlighted revenue uncertainty (fluctuating redevelopment/property tax receipts) and notably higher special‑education costs, including a recently reported 30 percent increase in certain out‑of‑district placement costs. Staff presented a projection that shows a modest unrestricted general fund balance at the 2nd interim and warned of deficit spending in 2025–26 and 2026–27 under current assumptions; trustees discussed options to increase reserves and to minimize layoffs where feasible.

After public comment from paraeducators, parents and staff urging reconsideration of reductions, the board moved, seconded and approved resolutions to issue the preliminary notices (certificated and classified) and later approved the district’s 2nd interim certification as presented.