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Proposed budget highlights literacy position questions and low utilization on Gateway transportation spots
Summary
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Bultema presented the proposed 2026–2027 budget; the board asked whether the new literacy position would be General Fund-funded, heard that Gateway routing changes allow adding a route without extra cost and that budget assumptions include 17 total spots though only 8–10 students are currently served daily.
Deputy Superintendent Kevin Bultema and Executive Director Minette Manio presented the San Mateo County Office of Education's proposed 2026–2027 budget on June 10, answering board questions about staffing, transportation and reserves.
Board Member Chelsea Bonini asked whether the proposed literacy position would be funded from restricted sources or the General Fund; Bultema said the team will check for restricted funds first and, if none are available, the position would likely become an ongoing General Fund expense. Bonini also asked how many students the Gateway transportation estimate assumes; Bultema said districts are charged per "spot," historically with Sequoia Union and San Mateo Union purchasing eight spots each and Cabrillo Unified adding one, giving an assumed 17 total spots. He added the program currently serves only 8–10 students daily, which makes the per-student cost high and creates pressure to improve enrollment for cost efficiency.
Board members discussed concerns about deficit spending to cover recurring costs, the County Office's roughly $25 million in reserves built over recent years, and whether committing to ongoing staff before a new superintendent arrives limits future leadership flexibility. Board Member O'Neill noted differences between county office and district staffing structures after comparing combined certificated and classified salaries to management salaries. The board opened a public hearing on the budget and took no public comment.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are Kevin Bultema, Chelsea Bonini, Mike O'Neill and Patricia Love.
