After public comment from faith and community groups, the board adopted an updated Use of School Facilities policy that phases in full cost recovery over two years; staff said the changes reflect AB 503/Civic Center Act calculations and the board amended the policy to remove a 5% surcharge that had been proposed for religious organizations.
As required by the Brown Act and government code sunshine requirements, San Marcos Unified and labor groups (SMEA and CSEA Chapter 413) presented initial bargaining proposals in a public hearing; no members of the public requested to speak and the board closed the hearings and proceeded with approvals authorizing formal negotiations to begin.
The San Marcos Unified School District board on March 12 adopted the 2025–26 second interim report and a positive budget certification after presentations showing projected general‑fund revenues of $311.7 million, expenditures of $335.4 million and an estimated unrestricted deficit of about $9.5 million; staff outlined a strategic alignment plan and a stakeholder budget advisory committee to close the gap.
District business officials told the school board Feb. 12 that sustained enrollment declines, low state cost‑of‑living adjustments and rising costs for insurance and benefits have created a structural deficit that could require layoffs and program reductions; a special meeting to adopt preliminary layoff resolutions is planned for Feb. 26.
At public comment and during consent‑agenda debate Feb. 12, dozens of parents and students urged the board to keep AgBio/AgChem as gateways to FFA after staff proposed replacing freshman AgBio with a college‑level horticulture dual‑enrollment course; trustees approved the consent agenda but asked staff to return with options to preserve access for students who cannot take college courses.
San Marcos Unified unanimously approved initial actions to form Community Facilities District No. 21 (developer mitigation estimated to generate ~$2.3M in facility funds) and authorized purchase of about 13.5 acres at 700 Atterbury Drive from the Paul Pearson Trust; all related resolutions passed by voice vote Feb. 12.
Students, FFA leaders and agriculture teachers urged the San Marcos Unified board not to move floral design out of the agriculture CTE pathway; district staff said the proposal would create a business-focused, student‑run enterprise while still expanding horticulture and animal science offerings.
An independent audit of San Marcos Unified for 2024–25 received unmodified opinions on financial statements and compliance; auditors required adjustments related to 'cash with fiscal agent' and accrued liabilities tied to a solar/energy escrow. The board approved the audit unanimously.
Dozens of students and parents urged the San Marcos Unified board to reinstate Coach Ong and asked for an independent review of Mission Hills administration decisions; district staff cited personnel confidentiality but agreed to meet with families where possible.
A La Costa Meadows parent urged San Marcos Unified to improve emergency communications after a Dec. 11 shelter-in-place incident; the district said law enforcement usually leads such responses and staff follow their guidance when releasing information.
