Board hears LCAP goals and proposed 2026–27 budget, trustees press for clearer EL supports and parent outreach

The Almani Union High School District held a public hearing June 10 on its Local Control and Accountability Plan and the proposed 2026–27 budget, with staff outlining seven district goals and how one-time and ongoing funds would be used to support students.

Dr. Ruiz, who led the LCAP presentation, said the plan continues five districtwide goals and two school-specific goals aligned to equity multiplier funds, and described stakeholder outreach using surveys and focus groups. "The LCAP includes the 8 state priorities ... and we have a total of 5 district wide goals," Dr. Ruiz said, noting the district used surveys and focus groups in January–April to gather input.

Trustees repeatedly pressed for more precise engagement with parents and school-site councils. Trustee Padilla asked why the parent response rate was low for a district of about 6,000 students, calling 124 English responses "unacceptable." Dr. Ruiz replied the surveys had 1,111 student responses and a combined parent response of 289 (124 English, 160 Spanish) and that staff would expand outreach and translate surveys into additional languages.

Discussion focused on supports for multilingual learners (formerly 'English learners'): what evidence-based classroom scaffolds will be provided, whether paraeducator placement is targeted to maximize impact, and how equity multiplier dollars are spent at continuation sites such as Fernando Arledesma High School and the community day school. "One of the top items our students highlighted were advanced placement courses as well as access to post-secondary institutions," Dr. Ruiz said of student feedback. Trustees asked staff to produce clearer, site-level breakdowns of services and funding for multilingual learners ahead of final LCAP adoption.