Trustees press staff on low ADA growth and large special‑education contribution

Several trustees raised concerns about the small projected ADA increase and the district’s ongoing general‑fund contribution to special education. One trustee said they were “surprised at the minimal increment in our ADA considering we are a growing community” and asked whether the low projected increase would change in future reports; another trustee noted the projection appeared to rise by only five students. Trustees asked whether the $9.5 million unrestricted general‑fund contribution is in addition to roughly $1.3 million in federal restricted funds, and whether total special‑education spending is approximately $11 million.

Assistant Superintendent Grijalva confirmed the $9.5 million is an unrestricted general‑fund contribution above federal funds and said some budget items are timing or classification effects that will be revised at first interim. Trustees pressed on whether the $1,000,000 net decrease in the projected ending balance should alarm the board; Grijalva described it as managed deficit spending covered by reserves and subject to midyear adjustments.