Janneyra Verduzco led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CR Salona expressed appreciation for the school’s commitment to education and the development of students’ critical thinking skills. They shared positive feedback about the school’s reputation, noted their intention to become more involved in the community, and conveyed gratitude for the school’s efforts.

Mr. Brad Wright presented the Executive Director’s report on behalf of Mr. David Hussey. He announced that Homecoming Week will begin on Monday, October 13. Activities include a pep rally on Friday, October 17, followed by the Homecoming football games — JBS at 4:00 PM and Varsity at 7:00 PM. The Homecoming Dance will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM.

Additionally, Senior Night for football, cheer, band, and color guard is scheduled for Friday, October 24. Mr. Wright also reminded everyone that school will be closed on Thursday, October 2, in observance of Yom Kippur.

Mr. Fernando Delgado presented the Chief Business Officer’s report, focusing on the audited actuals for the 2024–2025 fiscal year and an overview of the 2025–2026 fiscal outlook. The presentation outlined the district’s year-end financial position and emphasized how enrollment and attendance trends continue to affect revenue.

Mr. Delgado reported a current enrollment of 2,856 students with a 94% average daily attendance rate, noting a decrease from last year’s enrollment of 2,926. He explained that the discussion will include the factors contributing to this decline, as well as the strategies being implemented to address enrollment and revenue challenges.

The goal of the presentation is to provide a clear picture of the district’s financial health, highlight potential challenges, and outline plans to maintain long-term fiscal stability.

Mr. Brad Wright provided the Board Chair’s update, emphasizing the accessibility and openness of board meetings. He informed attendees that the meetings are broadcast across other campuses and that recordings are available for those unable to attend in person.

Mr. Wright extended an open invitation to the community to attend future board meetings, reinforcing that the board is committed to transparency, engagement, and serving the community’s needs.

Mr. Fernando Delgado presented the 2024–2025 Unaudited Actuals, noting that this report was previously reviewed by the Finance Committee. He provided an overview of revenues, expenditures, and fund balances, along with explanations for key variances.

Mr. Delgado reported an average daily attendance (ADA) of 2,687 compared to a total enrollment of 2,856, reflecting a 94% attendance rate and an overall 7% enrollment decline from the prior year. He emphasized that funding is based on ADA rather than total enrollment, which will continue to pose fiscal challenges.

Financial Overview:

• Estimated Actuals: $48,120,277
• Unaudited Actuals: $51,802,053
• Variance: Largely due to timing, capital project expenditures, and bargained salary increases.

Expenditures:
Total expenditures amounted to $49,471,672, with salaries and benefits comprising 67% of total revenue/expenditures.
Key components included:

• Certificated Salaries: $18,013,598 (increase due to bargained pay raises)
• Classified Salaries: $5,555,341
• Employee Benefits: $11,304,107 (increases tied to STRS/PERS and medical costs)
• Services: $10,128,124
• Supplies and Depreciation: modest variances due to unfilled positions and reduced overtime.
  Overall variance from estimated expenditures was $718,077.

Ending Fund Balance:
The projected ending net position as of June 30, 2026, is $41,474,073, including:

• Capital assets investment: $8,492,395
• Designated reserve for deferred maintenance: $15,000,000
• Excess OPEB/investments: $2,860,000
• Total restricted fund balance: $7,790,946

It was noted that approximately $7.1 million of the fund balance is invested in T-bills, stocks, and annuities, with one T-bill maturing next month. The CBO will present updated investment options to the Board at that time.

Mr. Delgado also reviewed grant and special fund balances, emphasizing timely expenditure of COVID-era allocations such as the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant to prevent forfeiture of unspent funds.

Mr. Fernando Delgado presented the Proposition 28 Arts and Music in Schools Act Budget for 2025–2026, explaining the distinction between the AMIM (Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Block Grant) and Proposition 28 funding sources. While both support arts and music initiatives, Mr. Delgado noted that AMIM is a one-time discretionary block grant of $2,176,757 (expiring June 30, 2026), whereas Proposition 28 provides permanent annual funding dedicated exclusively to arts and music education.

He clarified that Proposition 28 requires 80% of funds to be spent on staffing (teachers and aides) and 20% on materials, supplies, and partnerships, emphasizing that these funds must supplement—not replace—existing programs. The annual report, as required by Education Code Section 8820(a)(4), includes the number of full-time equivalent teachers, classified personnel, and school sites providing arts education, and will be submitted to the California Department of Education (CDE) and posted publicly.

For AMIM, Mr. Delgado outlined plans to enhance Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs, upgrade theater and multipurpose facilities, provide professional development, and improve classroom technology. Input was gathered from teachers and students to ensure equitable use of funds, with a final plan to be presented for board approval at the October regular board meeting.

Mr. Delgado confirmed that Prop 28 funding is ongoing, providing sustainable support for arts staffing and programs across all grade levels, while AMIM supports broader short-term recovery and instructional initiatives.

Mr. Fernando Delgado presented an update on the Digital Marquee and Front/Corner Monument Project, outlining the project’s progress, expenditures, and funding requirements. He explained that the project began in FY 2023–2024 with architectural planning and DSA (Division of the State Architect) approval, incurring an initial cost of $28,000. Due to the school’s lease agreement with LAUSD, all capital improvement projects require district oversight, which added an additional $75,341 in oversight fees, bringing total expenditures to $103,341 to date.

For FY 2025–2026, the projected expenditures include:

• Digital Marquee – $176,857
• Corner Monument & ECR Planter – $73,483.63
• LAUSD Electrical Work (Estimate) – $75,000
  Totaling $325,341 for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

The total project cost amounts to $428,682, offset by a budget carryover of $219,543.57 from prior years. Mr. Delgado requested a budget increase of $105,797.06, along with a 20% contingency ($21,159.41) to cover unforeseen costs, for a total budget increase of $126,956.47.

Mr. Delgado shared that the updated design includes new digital signage and ECR-branded illuminated planters at the school’s front entrance. The design, already approved by LAUSD, is pending final DSA approval, expected by summer. He noted that the contingency buffer is intended to address any potential ADA compliance modifications that may arise from the DSA review.

Mr. Jason Camp, Administrative Director, and Ms. Audra Herrera, Teacher, co-presented the ECR Family Immigration Communications Resource Guide for Board review and approval. Mr. Camp explained that the purpose of the guide is to ensure that all ECR families feel supported, informed, and understood, particularly those navigating immigration-related challenges.

He outlined the development process, noting that the project was a collaborative effort between the administration and UTLA representatives, ensuring that the final resource reflects the shared priorities of both groups. The team also consulted with local school districts such as LAUSD and Inspire Charter Schools to align the guide with regional best practices. Legal counsel thoroughly reviewed and vetted the materials for accuracy and compliance.

Ms. Herrera spoke on the importance of the initiative, emphasizing that the guide demonstrates empathy and understanding toward families’ lived experiences and provides meaningful support within the school community.

Board members commended Mr. Camp and Ms. Herrera for their collaborative approach and dedication to student and family well-being, highlighting the project as an example of strong community-centered leadership.

Mr. Fernando Delgado, CBO, presented the Investment Update for August 2025. The report highlighted the beginning balance of $33,407,833 in the OPEB Trust as of July 1, 2025. Year-to-date OPEB retiree payments totaled $105,396, with gains/losses of $233,009, resulting in a current ending balance of $33,535,446, reflecting a 0.4% total increase.

Mr. Delgado noted that investment managers Beacon Pointe and Fiduciary Management continue to oversee both the OPEB Trust and General Fund investments. The OPEB Trust remains fully funded, ensuring that retiree benefits are completely supported through investment earnings.

For the General Fund investments, Fiduciary Management and Beacon Pointe reported modest monthly increases, with combined holdings totaling $8,350,255 as of August 2025. The overall portfolio ending balance for all accounts was $42,513,992, showing a 0.4% monthly growth.

Mr. Delgado confirmed continued coordination with Beacon Pointe to maintain the long-term stability of the OPEB Trust and ensure that retiree benefit obligations remain fully funded.

The board entered the closed session at 6:12 PM on the 25th of September, 2025.

The board reconvene to open session at 6:30 PM on the 25th of September, 2025.

Nothing to report from closed session.