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Board directs $6.5M in ongoing cuts, pauses nonessential hiring after parcel tax loss
Summary
Facing a projected multi‑year shortfall, the Novato Unified board adopted a nonbinding resolution directing staff to identify $6.5 million in ongoing reductions and $1.5 million in one‑time savings, pause hiring for nonessential positions and study specialized programs and parcel‑tax viability. The move followed presentation that the district faces a roughly $12 million combined gap across two years.
Trustees approved a resolution instructing staff to prepare a budget revision that includes $6.5 million in ongoing expenditure reductions and $1.5 million in one‑time savings to stabilize the district's unrestricted fund balance.
"The budget that was just passed a 2nd ago shows, $12,000,000, hole 2 years from now," the presenter told the board, explaining the projection of approximately $9 million in deficit next year and $8 million the following year. The resolution — described as nonbinding operational direction — calls for pausing hiring of vacant nonessential positions, conducting cost‑benefit reviews of specialized programs, budgeting conservatively at 95% ADA and exploring parcel‑tax options.
Trustees discussed the statewide funding context and the political realities of parcel‑tax campaigns; several members urged clearer public communication about why the deficit exists and noted that state funding pressures are contributing factors. The board approved Resolution 30 by roll call vote; the roll call listed Trustees Alexander, Butler, Gasson, Jacobson, LaMotta, Mack and Pecos as voting aye (7‑0).
