At a Jan. 27 budget study session, LESD administration outlined a package of budget levers—calendar/furlough days, caps on special-ed contracted services, stipend shifts, printer contracts and class-size changes—that together approach the district’s $3–4 million reduction target; the board requested more granular modeling and guardrails.
During public comment at the Jan. 27 special meeting, teachers, parents and students urged the Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board to abandon proposals to increase class sizes, cut planning days and reduce stipends—arguing those moves would harm instruction, safety and teacher retention.
The board opened its Jan. 14 meeting with a performance by the Wigwam Creek Middle School string ensemble and recognized graduates of the district’s two-year Future Leaders Academy; communications staff also reported multiple PR awards.
At its Dec. 9 meeting the Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board unanimously authorized the sale of up to the remaining $50,000,000 in school improvement bonds, approved its first FY26 budget revision, ratified a Liberty Waterline extension for Troy Gilbert Elementary and adopted the 2026 meeting calendar.
Executive Director Satterfield presented Policy 4-201 (Code of Conduct) as a first read after it was inadvertently omitted from a prior review; board members asked clarifying questions and staff said the policy will return for approval at a future meeting.
Mark Islas, superintendent of the Agua Fria Union High School District, described an 'Academic Superstars' recognition campaign — including a billboard run, mailed outreach and celebrations — during the public comment portion of the Litchfield board meeting.
CFO Michael Vaughn told the Litchfield Elementary School District board that special-education costs and rising utilities are driving projected M&O overspending of $3.9M–$4.5M; he recommended a short-term shift of $500,000 to Medicaid and targeted expense reductions to protect reserves.
Director Brian Owen reported district proficiency near state levels (ELA 49%, math 42%); two schools rose two letter grades and several schools ranked in the top 10% of noncharter districts; Rancho Santa Fe's grade is under appeal after testing disruptions.
District construction managers reported masonry topped out Oct. 31 and substantial completion targeted for summer 2026; building envelope dry-in expected around January, weather permitting; trustees invited to weekly site walk-throughs.
Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the consent agenda with two out-of-state travel items pulled; later the board approved two travel requests (Cisco and RTM conferences) after discussion of costs and presentation roles.
