CBO: Bellflower projects enrollment drop and multi‑year gap but will file 2nd interim with "positive" certification

Chief Business Officer Arcus presented the district’s 2nd interim financial report and urged the board to consider the multiyear projections now shaping the budget. Arcus said enrollment fell more than anticipated — "a decrease of over 3%" — and that the unduplicated pupil percentage (which drives supplemental funding) also declined, reducing projected revenues.

Arcus outlined the district’s multiyear projection showing the general fund ending balance dropping from roughly $125.9 million (in 24–25) toward $36.2 million in later years, attributing the change to enrollment declines, lower COLA assumptions and timing of capital projects. She said the district is accounting for one-time capital costs and carryover on restricted programs and that the district committed $40 million in reserves to buy time to right-size spending.

Despite those pressures, Arcus said she will submit the 2nd interim with a positive certification to the Los Angeles County Office of Education: "But tonight, I will be submitting a 2nd interim with a positive certification," she said. Board members pressed for cash-flow details, asked where to find the back-page cash-flow schedule, and sought clarity on how recently approved program changes (such as the Bay Center closure) will be reflected in projections. Arcus and Superintendent Dr. Simon said program and staffing changes approved this evening will be captured in the budget process and in subsequent financial reports as appropriate.

Board members raised concerns about the projected loss of about 860 students by 2028–29 and the potential staffing impacts: Arcus and the superintendent described outreach steps (an enrollment campaign, attendance recovery and independent study options) and promised further analysis to inform cuts or program consolidations.