Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves 2024–25 unaudited year-end report as staff urge strategic use of reserves
Summary
The San Mateo County Board of Education unanimously approved the 2024–25 unaudited year-end closing report after staff presented fund balances and planned uses; Executive Director Minette Manio called high reserves a “good problem,” and trustees pressed for clear priorities on possible allocations.
The San Mateo County Board of Education on Oct. 8 unanimously approved the 2024–25 unaudited actuals year-end closing report after a presentation by Business Services staff.
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Bultema, Executive Director Minette Manio and fiscal staff outlined fund balances and earmarks, saying deferred maintenance and Fund 40 are designated for facilities and Fund 17 may support workforce housing and other strategic priorities. Board Member Patricia Love asked whether the current reserve levels are appropriate and whether some funds should be redirected to support students and schools.
Executive Director Minette Manio framed the situation as a management question, saying having either too few or too many reserves can be a challenge and calling higher balances a "good problem" that requires strategic alignment with the County Office’s priorities and Strategic Plan. Bultema added that classified staff compensation costs will affect the 2025–26 budget and that upcoming negotiations could reduce reserve growth.
After discussion, Board Member Chelsea Bonini moved to approve the report; the motion, seconded by Board Member Susan Alvaro, carried unanimously (Alvaro, Arias, Bonini, Gerard, Love, O’Neill, Torres). The minutes record that general fund dollars are being used for program improvements and that any reallocation of specific funds will be subject to future Board and Superintendent decisions.
