The Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board unanimously approved a package of financial and operational actions at its Dec. 9, 2025 meeting, authorizing the district to proceed with a bond-sale authorization, adopting a fiscal-year budget revision and ratifying an agreement for a waterline extension at Troy Gilbert Elementary.

CFO Vaughn told the board the resolution would “allow the district to sell up to the remaining $50,000,000 of authorization” stemming from the district’s November 2023 bond election and said the district may choose to structure sales in multiple offerings to maintain a consistent tax rate for the community. Vaughn said the board and staff had completed due diligence on a draft preliminary official statement and would meet with rating agencies and the district’s investment bankers before any sale.

The board also approved the first FY26 expenditure budget revision as presented by Vaughn. He said the revision updated student counts (ADM) and recognized one-time state funding, noting a roughly $78,000 decrease to the maintenance and operations (M&O) budget, a $657,000 increase in expected current‑year state revenue and a net $337,000 increase to the capital budget tied to carryover and Prop 123 recognition.

“So, when I hear you say that you will be keeping the tax rate consistent for our constituents, that’s my primary concern,” said Ms. Moran, a governing board member, during the bond discussion, adding that voters had approved the full $100,000,000 authorization in the earlier election and urging prudence in spreading costs.

The board ratified an agreement with Liberty Water for water and sewer work related to Troy Gilbert Elementary. CFO Vaughn said the terms had been reviewed by district legal counsel; when asked where the money would come from, Vaughn indicated it was included in the initial utility-fee estimates and the projected 3% estimate for utility fees.

The board also adopted its 2026 governing board meeting schedule, moving the January organizational meeting from Jan. 13 to Jan. 14 and rescheduling the superintendent review from June 5 to June 12 following members’ calendar-availability discussions.

Votes at a glance
• Adoption of resolution authorizing sale/issuance of school improvement bonds (up to remaining $50,000,000): mover Ms. Moran; second Ms. Wallace; vote: Mr. Mikes—yes; Mr. Owens—yes; Ms. Moran—yes; Ms. Wallace—yes; presiding officer—yes; outcome—approved.
• FY26 expenditure budget revision #1: mover Mr. Owens; second Mr. Mikes; vote unanimous; outcome—approved. Key figures noted by CFO Vaughn: ≈$78,000 decrease to M&O, +$657,000 expected state revenue, +$337,000 net capital increase.
• Ratification of Troy Gilbert Elementary Liberty Water line extension agreement: mover Mr. Mikes; second Mr. Owens; vote unanimous; outcome—approved. Funding source: included in initial 3% utility-fee estimate (per materials presented).
• Adoption of 2026 governing board meeting schedule (Jan. 14 organizational meeting; June 12 superintendent review): mover Ms. Wallace; second Mr. Mikes; vote unanimous; outcome—approved.

All motions passed by unanimous vote of the five voting members present. The board did not set a timetable for any immediate bond sale; staff said future sales and any timing decisions would return to the board as needed.

The board adjourned at 06:48.