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Board gives positive certification to first interim budget amid warnings about rising costs and reserves
Summary
Chief Business Officer presented the 2025–26 first interim budget showing a projected multi-year deficit driven by personnel and benefit costs; the board approved a positive certification and directed staff to pursue efficiencies and revenue options including grants and careful hiring.
The Sunnyvale School District board approved a positive certification for the 2025–26 first interim budget after a presentation by the district’s chief business officer. The report outlined the fiscal outlook for the unrestricted general fund, noting that property-tax growth is at a decade low and that personnel and benefit costs account for more than 80% of expenditures.
Chief Business Officer Erica summarized the projection and stressed the district’s current plan to address a structural gap through attrition, operational efficiencies and pursuit of additional revenues. “We are here tonight, happy to present a recommendation for a positive certification, which means we will be able to meet our statutory obligation of having a 3% reserve in the current and 2 subsequent years,” Erica stated. Trustees pressed for more details on special-education cost drivers and asked staff to return with a deeper study; staff said special-education costs have grown for multiple reasons including higher identification rates and rising personnel costs.
After public comment and trustee questions, the board voted to approve the first interim report and submit the certification to the Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools.
