June 5, 2023
Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Walukiewicz, held a public hearing for the 2023-24 district budget. Total expenses are expected to exceed total revenue next year due to numerous factors, including the slowing economy, mandated programs such as universal meals, and the rising cost of employee salaries and benefits. In order to diminish the impact on district reserves, $2.8 million in budget reductions were made, bringing total projected reserves for the next fiscal year to $12.5 million (15%). Additional budget reductions could be necessary over the next few years to meet the district’s own target reserve levels (8-10%) as well as the state mandated 3% reserve level. If the parcel tax expiring in 2025 is not renewed, these cuts will be even more critical to halt deficit spending and restore a balanced budget.
The board approved budget revisions for the Measure N Bond to include additional design and development fees for the 10th site ($625,000) as well as the cost to complete lighting repairs at Almond ($197,417), Blach ($369,986) and Springer ($289,908). These lighting repairs were among those identified by staff as being high priority needs, along with pavement repairs, HVAC and roofing replacement. Some of the smaller repairs will be addressed over the summer break, but most of the maintenance and modernization projects cannot be completed until additional funding is secured. While the Measure N fund balance recently increased by $10.3 million due to payment from Sobrato for Transferable Development Rights, the unencumbered balance remains under $35 million. A new agreement for Transferable Development Rights was approved with 189 Bernardo, LLC (aka Sand Hill Properties) in the amount of $3.64 million, though the funds will not be received until permits have been approved by the City of Mountain View.
The board voted to renew the district’s 1-year contract with Revolution Foods to provide meals next school year. Despite receiving both state and federal reimbursements for meals totaling roughly $1.8 million, the district must still pay approximately $1.5 million out of pocket to cover the cost of staff and equipment. If another bond measure is passed in the future, the district would like to consider building a central kitchen to save on costs and reduce food waste.
June 12, 2023
The board voted unanimously to approve the 2023-24 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) as well as the 2023-24 district budget as presented during their respective public hearings on June 5. The LCAP is a three-year plan that describes the goals, actions, services, and expenditures to support positive student outcomes that address state and local priorities.
The board went on to approve joint use agreements with childcare providers at all 7 of the elementary school sites. Employment agreements for the Superintendent and both Assistant Superintendents were amended to match the cost-of-living adjustments granted to all other staff earlier this year.
The Measure N Citizens Bond Oversight Committee submitted its annual report and will be requiring new members next year to replace those that are leaving.
Stella Kam, Observer