Budget Chair Naef led in the flag salute.

Budget Chair Naef yielded the floor to Superintendent Lee to review the Budget Message. P. Lee provided the message. The budget committee has received and reviewed the budget message.

Budget Chair Naef yielded the floor to Business Manager Sweeney to review the FY 25-26 Proposed Budget. The budget committee has received and reviewed the proposed budget.

Committee Q & A

H. Friend inquired about unemployment funds and blending classes.

R. Pardy inquired about the President not funding the States.

R. Pardy inquired as to why we do not lease vehicles as opposed to purchase.  D. Sweeney clarified the cost differences.

R. Pardy inquired whether La Clinica would be self-sustaining. D. Sweeney reported that it would be self-sustaining after 2 years.

D. Sweeney announced the receipt of a seismic grants award for about $2.5 million, as of this day, for the RR Jr/Sr High School Gym.

B. Naef reviewed the benefits of the new Jr. High, which may contribute to a potential future increase in enrollment.

Business Manager Sweeney reviewed the district's budget process.

D. Sweeney reviewed; the Budget Strategy, Projected Ending Fund Balance, Enrollment, General Fund Revenue, 200 Funds, Yearly Operational Costs, Staffing Changes 25-26, Transfers in detail, Early Learning Center, Bond Projects, Seismic Grant, and the possibility of changes due to the State School Fund being finalized around June 1st, as well as 26-27 Federal Funding Changes, SIA Stability, and Enrollment.

D. Sweeney answered previously submitted questions from the committee. The questions are available HERE, and the recording with answers is available HERE.

B. Naef inquired about bussing and consolidating transportation costs. P. Lee reported that the morning runs are combined. D. Sweeney reviewed the afternoon bussing. Reducing bussing in the Wimer area would cause the students in that area to be on the bus for a significantly extended period of about 45 minutes. This is due to geography. There is no solution within the boundary given. 

M. Jacob added that a lot of parents do drive their kids since the bus stop is a mile or more from their home.

R. Pardy inquired about what the seismic grant would be used for. D. Sweeney will review the planning alongside the grant. Klosh Group is our Project Manager. They will be doing a review.

B. Sund added that the rural areas are getting more of the seismic funding now based on adjustments in the state allocation process.

Budget Chair Naef opened the floor for public comment. There was none.