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El Monte Union board certifies finances but warns of staffing cuts as enrollment falls
Summary
Trustees approved the district's 2nd interim financial report and a positive certification while staff warned declining enrollment, sunsetting one‑time funds and pension costs require staffing adjustments. The board directed further planning ahead of the May revision.
The El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees on March 5 approved the district's 2nd interim financial report and certified the district's financial solvency for 2024–25 and the two subsequent fiscal years.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Michael Lin presented the January 31 snapshot and three‑year projections and recommended a positive certification, telling trustees: "Although I'm happy to report that we are recommending a positive certification, we do have continued declining enrollment and the end of one‑time funds." Director of Fiscal Services David Norton said the district projects a combined general‑fund spending gap driven by revenue declines and increased expenses, and that the district's ending fund balance is projected to fall from about $82 million at the start of the year to roughly $40 million by year end.
The presentation flagged several drivers: a projected decline in funded average daily attendance; lower statutory COLA in the out years; ongoing employer pension cost increases; and the planned exhaustion of pandemic and other one‑time funds. Norton outlined assumptions including an estimated funded ADA and a $2 million interfund transfer for maintenance and capital needs.
Trustees pressed staff about the magnitude and timing of reductions. Trustee Ricardo Padilla said the projections mean "we have to make it affordable," urging an open discussion about program priorities and personnel. Dr. Lin and Norton said the projection model is a planning tool and promised an updated budget presentation after the governor's May revision; Lin said the district will use the extra months to pursue less painful options, including joining larger joint‑powers authorities to reduce liability costs tied to legal claims.
The board voted to approve the 2nd interim report (motion by Trustee Padilla, second by Trustee Nguyen); the motion passed by voice vote with no recorded oppositions. The approval authorizes staff to file the positive certification with the county office of education by the March 15 deadline and directs continued evaluation of staffing and contingency actions leading into the May revision and the June budget process.
