Arcadia Unified adopts 2026'27 budget after multi-year deficit reduction effort

The Arcadia Unified School District board on June 23 adopted the district's 2026'27 budget after a presentation outlining revenue, expenditure and deficit-reduction changes.

Chief fiscal presenter David Vong walked the board through the general fund, saying total revenues were projected at about $167.7 million and total expenses at about $171.5 million, producing a $3.3 million projected deficit in the total general fund. He emphasized that the unrestricted general fund showed a projected surplus of $1.3 million in 2026'27, driven by the 4.3% LCFF cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), increased special-education funding routed through the SELPA and the district's multi-year deficit reduction plan.

"This is a great story," Vong said of the budget outlook as he reviewed charts showing year-over-year improvements and a multiyear plan to return the district to stable reserves. The presentation listed a beginning fund balance of about $39.8 million, total revenues of roughly $167.7 million and a projected ending general fund balance of about $36.5 million.

Board members discussed enrollment assumptions (attendance near 98.5% for current year projections), the handling of restricted versus unrestricted funds and plans for capital spending from Measure AS. Vong said the district expects to spend roughly $27.5 million from bond Measure AS on facilities projects next year, with other funds reserved for Chromebook replacement and capital needs.

A motion to adopt the 2026'27 budget was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The transcript records the board approving the motion by an "aye" call and the chair declaring "motion carries." The record does not include a roll-call tally in the meeting transcript.