The Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on May 25, 2025, focusing on the revision update of the 2025-2026 governor's proposed state budget. The discussion began with an acknowledgment of the late arrival of budget information, which was added to the agenda on the same day.

Audrey, a board member, presented key highlights from the governor's May revision, which addresses various state priorities, including education, homelessness, behavioral health, and clean water. The governor's proposal reflects a cautious approach to budget management, responding to lower revenue projections and increased healthcare costs. Notably, education funding remains stable, with no significant changes since the initial budget proposal.

The governor's forecast indicates a projected revenue shortfall of $12 billion for the state, primarily due to economic challenges, including federal policies and natural disasters. As a result, the governor plans to hold back $1.3 billion from the Proposition 98 minimum guarantee, which ensures funding for schools. This decision raises concerns about the adequacy of funding for educational institutions.

Audrey detailed the projected Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for the upcoming year, which has been slightly reduced from 2.43% to 2.3%. This adjustment translates to a decrease of approximately $120,000 in local control funding for the district. The board discussed how this funding is crucial for covering operational expenses and supporting various educational programs.

The meeting also covered specific funding allocations for different grade levels, with base grants varying between $10,256 for grades TK-3 and $12,423 for grades 9-12. Additionally, the implementation of the Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) program was highlighted, with funding set at $5,545 per pupil.

Audrey mentioned the introduction of a new discretionary block grant aimed at supporting student services and professional development, which is expected to provide approximately $2.1 million in one-time funds for the district. The board is awaiting further clarification on these funds, as the governor's budget is not finalized and will be settled in June.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the continuation of universal school meals, which the governor has committed to fully fund. A new program, the Sunbox program, was also introduced, aimed at providing summer meals to students and families in the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the challenges facing the district amid economic uncertainties while highlighting the importance of maintaining educational funding and support for students. The board plans to incorporate these updates into the adopted budget, with further discussions scheduled as more information becomes available.