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San Rafael schools preview 2026–27 budget; elementary side shows structural gap
Summary
Finance staff briefed the board on the 2026–27 budget assumptions: a May‑revision COLA that effectively rises to 4.31% (including a 1.44% augmentation), increased special‑education funding, uncertain one‑time block grants, and property‑tax appeal risk. Projections show the elementary district may face a $1.3M reduction in 2027–28 unless further revenue or reductions are identified.
District finance staff presented the 2026–27 budget assumptions and multiyear projections, highlighting the interplay of the state COLA, LCFF calculations and local property tax dynamics.
Staff summarized the governor’s May revision as raising the statutory COLA line to 4.31% for planning purposes (2.87% statutory COLA plus a 1.44% augmentation earmarked to offset specific state mandates). The presentation noted increased special‑education funding (special ed rate shown in materials) and potential one‑time block grants for student supports, but described those one‑time amounts as uncertain and therefore not included in the adopted baseline. The finance presenter also flagged an uptick in property‑tax appeals locally and the district’s flip between basic‑aid and LCFF status, which can change supplemental tax treatment year to year.
For the elementary district, staff showed a multiyear projection that includes a planned $1.3M reduction in 2027–28 to preserve reserves; the high‑school district’s reserves were presented as stronger in the near term. Staff recommended maximizing restricted revenues (e.g., Medi‑Cal and private billing) and preparing contingency staffing or contract actions if funding gaps persist; the board received the presentation and directed staff to return with final SACS files and periodic updates.
