District files positive 1st interim budget certification amid enrollment dip

Deputy Superintendent Bill Young led the board through the district's 1st interim budget presentation, describing revenue, expenditure and reserve assumptions for the current year and two out years. "I'm pleased to report that this interim report period, 1st interim is a positive certification," he said during the presentation.

Key figures cited by staff included projected enrollment of 11,034 students (244 fewer than projected in June), average daily attendance of 92.64%, and unrestricted general fund revenues shown on a presentation slide as about $153,000,000. Staff reported total fund expenditures near $214.6 million and noted that districts are using one-time funds in the short term while projecting multi-year deficit spending absent changes at the state or local level.

Young and Executive Director of Financial Services Amedi Tazi highlighted reserves and recommended set-asides: a 3% state-required reserve (about $6,400,000) and a board stabilization contribution toward a 9% target (about $19,700,000). Presenters also identified specific one-time recommended uses, including pension stabilization contributions, deferred maintenance (~$2,000,000), and a $5,000,000 set-aside for potential future property acquisition.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about whether the state would provide additional pension relief and how neighboring district layoffs might affect local enrollment. Young said there was "no indication of this one" regarding state pension assistance and reiterated that the district's certification is positive for the current reporting period.

The board voted to approve the 1st interim report; the motion carried unanimously in the recorded vote.