001Okay, we're going to go ahead and call the regular meeting of the board of education for Martinez Unified School District to order. It is March 9th, 2026 and it is 5:30. Do we have any uh public comments related to close session? >> There are no public comments. >> Then we will adjourn to close session. to the uh regular board meeting. And I have one item to report out from close session. Uh in closed session um on a on a motion by uh Logan Campbell and seconded by Courtney Msala O'Brien um the board voted 40 to non-reelect non-credentialed probationary certified employee number from employment for the 2627 school year and directed the superintendent to notify the employee of such action. Matthew, do you want to start us? Lead us in the pledge of >> allegiance, please.
002with liberty and justice for all. >> Do we have any changes to the agenda? >> Do you want to do the item? >> That's for the consent calendar. >> Okay. So, there are no other changes to the agenda at this time. >> Okay. Do I have a motion? >> I motion that we approve the agenda. >> Second. >> Student rep. All those in favor? >> I I so moved. >> Okay. First up, we have um highlights of recognition. We have Alhambor High School, the green team. >> Uh hey everybody. Uh we're part of Green Team Leadership Club. My name is Ethan Bosa. My name is Connor Hompson. >> My name is Samantha Yasaki. and I'm Jonathan Ruiz. >> Okay. Before anything, first of all, I am the current vice president of AHS green team leadership
003club. >> You want to? >> Uh I'm one of the co-presidents of this club. I'm the other co-president and I hold a leadership role in the club right now. >> You're okay. So, we want to test you guys first, you know, it's it's important to know. So, I have this cup. It is a What is it called? A commercially compostable cup. And I just wonder, do you guys know where this cup goes? Compost. So, anyone who said compost is wrong. >> So, >> yeah. >> Does it go into the green waste? >> You're welcome for You're going to learn something today. Um, >> this actually has to go in the landfill because and plastic and we do not have the right facilities nearby to be able to uh process it correctly. Um so that's why
004we're here on campus. Um we are working with a whole bunch of students um and that's why we're here today. So >> we just want to acknowledge this and the support to of our adviserss Mr. Bondrew and of our new leaf collaborative team and miss principal bey. >> So what is green team leadership club? This club uh is it promotes sustainability. We are a group of students who are passionate about the environment and use creative ways to teach students about the cleaner and sustainable habits that they can make. Our teachers have made an impact on grades K to 12. And yeah. >> Okay. I'm too short for this. Um, so what have we done this far? So far this year, we have done the Republic Services Lost City of Martinez community cleanup which took place
005in November. The styrofoam and cardboard recycling drop off at Republic Services in January. We have hosted the AHS witch bin challenge, witch bin waste sorting challenge, excuse me, which awards students for understanding where to put their trash. Um, and we have uh made the AHS don't be a trash monster video. If you are curious of what this video is, um, we wanted to share with you the don't be a trash monster video. This video uh was shown to the different access classes at AHS. Um green team leadership club um and the leadership class worked hard on making this. We want to thank um New Leaf Collaborative for making the trash monster costume. And with that, we hope you enjoyed this little snippet. >> It's so annoying. They saw the trash here. I know nothing. It's
006too late now. What's crackers? >> Don't be trashy. It is not too late to make a positive difference. >> So, that was just a little snippet. It doesn't want to work. >> It's so annoying we all the trash here. I know nothing. Go to the next slide. It's okay. >> Yeah, they will just throw that clip over and over again. >> Okay. >> So, what do we hope to achieve? Our group hopes to continue promoting cleaner and sustainable habits to make our group bigger by encouraging new members to join. And we hope that teachers help foster a cleaner campus and that habits are brought back to the community. And we hope to provide more community service opportunities to students who need it. Thank you for your support and for the support of MUSD, the city
007of Martinez and Republic Services. If anyone is interested in getting involved, please contact the New Leaf Collaborative. >> Thank you. >> Wait, wait, wait. Don't leave yet. Don't leave yet. Boys, boys, girl, and and lady gentle also. Um, don't leave yet. Uh, so you get community service hours for this? >> Yes. >> And are these for your onschool campus or off school? both because you guys actually go to this >> we offer through bins. We have different designated areas as well as people are able to um sign up for off-campus community service like the one that's coming up next I believe is John House where we get to educate kids there. Um it's really fun. >> Awesome. Well, thank you very much for um doing this to for the helping the environment and being leaders
008in your school. So, we really appreciate that and thank you for coming and speaking to us. Does anybody want to get a picture of them before I know if there does someone want to take a picture? I was going to ask since you taught us >> want to take pictures. >> Oh, and I was going to ask since you taught us something. What was something when you first joined the club that you were surprised to learn? >> So, I joined in uh third grade. So, something that I learned when I first joined green team was just the amount of um the lack of knowledge that people have learned uh know throughout um just knowing where to put their trash. especially in high school now we see like every time that kids know where to put
009the trash according to the um which challenge they just refuse to do so which is like the most disheartening thing that we have um but it's also like how microplastics have impacted our environment was something that photos that you see of the birds well >> thank you guys for putting in all that work uh Yeah. >> So, did you say that you are still going into the elementary schools and teach working with the kids? >> Oh, great. Great. I used to be one of the teachers and so I can always remember green team coming and how excited our kids were for you to come and you are making an impact. I won't be throwing any of those plastic cups into the compost. >> Perfect. >> No, I don't buy them anyway, but but now I
010know. So, I have a question for you. What about those uh those disposable forks and knives that you get? that say they're compostable. >> Okay. Just want to make sure I keeping it >> sorted. >> It's not. We're just paying more money for it. Yeah. >> Yeah. Well, thank you for leading us towards, you know, a more sustainable future. Appreciate that. Next up, we have the Martinez Junior High School students, spring musical, Oliver. Oops. Showing off the poster here. Uh, my name is Mrs. Boyd and I teach theater arts at Martinez Junior High School and it has been my joy for about the last 10 12 years to um produce or co-produce our spring musicals. So, um, we have brought a little taste tonight of our upcoming show, Oliver, which opens this Wednesday night. We'd
011love to see you all. Um, our afterchool musical theater program at MJHS has a long and beloved tradition um of producing really exceptional shows. Um the combination of investment by the community and talent in the kids has really developed quite um a reputation for really good shows. Um we create cherished memories and friendships for many MUSD students over the generations. This program is an opportunity for students which brings together all three grade levels sixth, seventh and eighth with which is a rare opportunity at the junior high. So many of our sports and other activities are divided by grade. Um we also represent each year students who are on IEPs or 504s, our multi multilingual learners, um and a broad range of academic skills and grade point levels. We have had homeless and foster youth participate
012in our program at different times. Um, it is a welcoming and and inclusive environment which is free of cost to families and invites all students regardless of background strengths or challenges. We never turn a student away. We take all signups for crew and hold auditions for cast, but secretly never turn a kid away. Um, if they have the courage to to get up and audition, then they're our kind of person and they will be in the show. The production team members share the conviction that we never really know which student is going to need this community, this theater family, and this positive experience in a given year. Generally, our cast and crew each year represent between seven and 10% of our overall school community. Um, and thanks to our district and our board, we celebrate
013a unique feature, and that is a beautiful historic one-of-a-kind auditorium. If you haven't been in it, you must come. It is not your average middle school multi-use cafeteria slashdgeball slash band performance slash theater production. It is truly truly um a theater house and our performances make use of this rare and amazing space. We hope to see you and without further ado, some of the cast of Oliver Yeah. In front of the podium and face us. is wonderful for me. So sunny. There is a man with all the money at half the price. Little sweet. That was awesome. I love that. That was fabulous. Everyone did an awesome job. I am so impressed um by all of you. Um other comments, I'm sure. >> Are there tickets still available? And I think I and I think
014it's on March 11th, 12th, and 13th at 7 p.m. and then the 14th at 2 p.m. Yep. >> Okay. I better get on it. >> You better, Logan. I have my ticket already. >> Yeah. >> I'm coming on Thursday evening. Um, >> but I have to tell you, I am so impressed with your voices. You guys have beautiful voices and your presence and the way you came in and just set the stage for us. I'm just I I'm blown away. I can't wait to see everything on Thursday. So, I will be there. Hopefully, I'll have a front row seat if Miss Kuzzac tries to get me one. Maybe. I hate to throw I hate to throw my weight around. Good. It's going to be fabulous. You guys are going to do great. Thank you for
015coming. I'm gonna try to come Wednesday night. I'm gonna try. >> Okay. This is one of my favorite musicals. When I was little, I used to watch the black and white movie like over and over. Does do people remember that? Maybe people in the back. Um yeah, the the OG. That's right. I want to know that poster is beautiful. Who designed the poster? >> Yeah. Go ahead. um to a competition where students can submit their own art and we vote for it and like the top contesters um are submitted to a graphic designer and they're combined to make one poster. >> So in short, it's an amalgamation of all of our artist designs. >> It's great. It looks beautiful. Good luck. I know you guys are gonna Oh, you're not supposed to say that. Break
016a leg. And I know you're going to do great. >> And great job. >> Yes. Absolutely. in in great costumes. >> Wonderful. You guys are fabulous. >> Matthew, do you want to interject? >> Yeah, you guys are amazing. Um, I actually did the musical at the junior high four years ago. It was Foot Loose. I had a great time. I will say I could not sing as well as you guys. You guys are fantastic. Um, and Break a Leg. >> Thank you very much. We really appreciate it. It was awesome. >> Yes. Yes. >> How many kids are in the production? >> Yeah. 70. over 70 around >> especially for coming here because I know a lot of us were really freaky nervous. Good experience. Thank you. >> You guys did amazing. >> Thank you.
017>> Have a good night. Well, that's a hard act to follow, Matthew. So, you're going to have to give us student comments, but um >> I'm not going to break into song. >> You're not going to break. Oh, bummer. I wanted to hear you since you did music. >> We just have that for the rest of the meeting. >> No. >> Okay. Thank you to all of the bull pups who supported the annual MJHS PTSA fundraiser and helped them reach their goal. There are a few more days left to join in the fun and the chance to win prizes. Congratulations to all the MJHS boys basketball players on a great season. The Bull Pups had a great season and the eighth grade team had two big wins to close out the season and cement their
018spot in the league tournament. Uh, as we've just seen, Oliver Jr. is going to be they're going to be performing at 700 p.m. on March 11th, 12th, and the 13th at and oh, and at 2 p.m. on the 13th on the 14th. And the on the 17th of March, there's going to be a PTSA meeting in the MJHS staff lounge. And on uh March 20th, there's going to be a Bullpups music boosters. There's going to be the noodles and notes at MJHS. Congratulations to the Alhambor girls soccer and boys basketball teams on their season and postseason play. Both teams had a heck of a run in the NCS playoffs and should be commended for their spirited play. Thank you to AHS parent, Mr. Conrad Dandridge for agreeing to return to AHS and present on Black
019History Month. Mr. Dandridge met with all of our history classes on Friday, February 20th, and then returned to AHS the following week to meet with students at lunch and answer their questions. New netting was installed on the basketball field the last week of February. Thank you to Andy Cannon and Jared Ruddle for making that happen and helping AHS to be good neighbors to our surrounding households. On Wednesday, March 11th, AHS will host our multicultural assembly in the main gym starting at 10:10 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. Uh on Thursday, March 12th, we have our spring college and career fair during access period and lunch. On Saturday, March 14th, uh the AHS athletic boosters is putting on their crab feed to benefit AHF AHS athletics, and we hope you can make it out. The Martinez Probation Department
020recently requested students from the Vicenti Psychology Club to support an important training for law enforcement titled Policing the Teen Brain. Five students volunteered to participate in the training by role- playinging scenarios officers may encounter when interacting with teenagers. Through these simulations, students helped officers better understand adolescent behavior, communication, and decision-making. This unique collaboration not only provided a valuable perspective for law enforcement, but also empowered students to contribute their voices and experiences to improving community relationships between youth and police. Students from Vicente Psychology Club were invited to partner with students at Martinez Junior High School throughout the afterchool student recovery program, Brain Break. During these sessions, VMHS students help facilitate activities that promote connection, positive coping skills, and peer support. The collaboration has been very successful, and the psychology club students will continue participating in the
021program weekly, providing mentorship and building positive relationships with younger students in the district. Bionis and Vicente students took a trip, a field trip to DVC where they toured the campus and had the opportunity to explore the dental and culinary arts programs. All seniors at Vicente and Bionis worked with DBC counselors to fill out the application to start in the fall after graduation. From February 2nd to the 26th, instructor Patty Pacheco at Martinez Dol Education led a digital skills course for our Spanish-sp speakaking parents. Participants gained essential tools to support their children's education. They learned to use and access parent square for school communication and areas for tracking student progress. This class was a huge success. Parents highly praised Miss Pico's teaching and are already requesting a follow-up session to continue building their skills. On Thursday,
022March 6th, continuing with the monthly apprenticeship speaker series, the Iron Workers Local 378 presented on becoming an apprentice iron worker who learned to build and support the structures that shape our cities. The pharmacy technician training program orientation will take place on March 10th at 6 p.m. in the multi-use room. Spring quarter starts on Monday, March 16th, and the women in trades presentation will be on Tuesday, March 24th at 6 PM. Now, for my comments, spring sports have begun, so excuse my appearance as I just got out of the pool literally an hour ago. Um, as us seniors continue our march towards graduation, we've begun hearing back about colleges. Many of my friends already know where they're going, but more news is yet to come. Multiple people in my class have already been accepted into top
02320 universities, and I'm delighted to have been accepted last week into the UC Davis Honors College with a Chancellor Scholarship. None of the success of my class would be possible without the excellent work from our teachers and counselors. So, I'd like to thank them for all the hard work they put in every week for us. Scholarship applications also loom for us seniors, and as I'm swamped with so many essays to write, I remind myself to be grateful for the opportunities that our local community brings us seniors. So, I'd like to also give a special thank you to every organization that gives back to our community. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Congratulations. So, is that your first choice or you're still waiting to hear from other colleges? >> Still waiting from a couple more.
024Yeah. >> Okay. Well, congratulations. >> When did you say the noodles notes was >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. Do we have anybody from the Martinez Education Association? MA speak. No. Um, CSEA. No. Do we have any comments from the PTA? No. Okay. We have correspondence. Dr. Patrick. Yes. Thank you, Trustee President. So for correspondence, we have a letter from Contracasta County Office of Education regarding our first interim. So this is for 2526 first interim. Dear Superintendent Patrick, the district submitted its 2526 first interim report with a positive certification. This certification states that the district will meet its financial obligations for the current and two subsequent fiscal years. The Contracasta County Office of Education, CCOE, has completed a review of your district's first interim report in compliance with the provisions of the state law. Based
025on the information available at the time of our review, the Contraosta County Office of Education concurs with the district's first interim positive certification for the period ending October 31st, 2025. Based on our analysis, the district anticipates deficit spending in the current year in two subsequent fiscal years. Continued deficit spending erodess the fund balance and reduces the district's ability to respond to uncertain statewide economic conditions, potential impacts from legislative ch changes and unfounded mandates, and cost pressures related to special education, utilities, and employee benefits. We strongly recommend that the district take decisive action to implement the proposed budget reductions with the explicit goal of increasing reserves. Doing so will provide a robust safeguard against fluctuations in the state revenue and district specific financial risk, thereby reinforcing the district's long-term fiscal stability. The district is currently maintaining
026reserves at or only marginally above the state required minimum 3% level for school districts of its size. While this technically meets the statutory requirement, it leaves the district with a very limited excuse me with very limited fiscal flexibility. A reserve position this low significantly increases vulnerability to unforeseen fiscal stress, including mid-year adjustments to state and federal revenue, unanticipated increases in special education or transportation expenditures, local enrollment declines, or rising employee benefit costs. We strongly recommend that the district take decisive action to implement the fiscal solvency plan with the explicit goal of increasing reserves well above the minimum 3% threshold. Doing so will provide a robust safeguard against flunctuations in state revenue and district specific financial risk, thereby reinforcing the district's long-term fiscal stability. The Contracasta County Office of Education strongly encourages the district to do
027to identify and implement structural solutions to reduce reliance on fund balance. Reassess multi-year projections to ensure alignment with current operational trends and anticipated funding. Closely monitor expenditure trends and revenue assumptions for 2526 second interim development. As required by the statute, the county office requests that all districts submit a collective bargaining disclosure form at least 10 working days prior to the governing board action on any proposed settlement. To comply with the AB to to excuse me, to comply with AB2756, both the superintendent and chief business officer must sign the disclosure form. Budget revisions reflect the cost of negotiated agreements must be completed within 45 days of board approval. Districts are required to disclose nonvoter approved debt such as certificates of participation or other long-term commitments as well as self-insured workers comp compensation liabilities and any changes
028to acturial estimates. We appreciate your staff's effort as they have worked to prepare the various forms and documents required to complete the 2526 first interim report. Please do not do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Daniela Par Procedes. Thank you. Deputy Superintendent Business and Administrative Services. >> Thank you very much, Dr. Patrick. Any board members have questions or Matthew? No. >> Okay. Next up, we have public comments. The public may address the board regarding any item within the jurisdiction of the Board of Education of the Martinez Unified School District. For items on the agenda, the public may comment at the time the board considers the agenda item. For items not on the agenda, the public may comment under public comment. These comments are limited to three minutes each. 20
029minutes have been allocated for this portion of the agenda. Additional time is allowed at the end of the meeting if there was not enough time to speak during public comments. To comply with the Brown Act, the board may listen to comments from speakers, but can neither discuss nor take action on issues presented. Members of the board are very limited in their response to statements or questions by persons commenting on items not on the agenda. And I don't see any public comments right now. Uh next up we have the consent calendar. We do have an adjustment. Um we just been told that we're going to be removing 14.6E. We're going to pull that. And I just want to comment that. Thank you for um Charities Aid Foundation for your donation as well as Nicole Kennston and
030Brian Beston for your donations. Do I have a motion to approve the consent calendar as amended? >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent calendar as amended. >> I'll second. >> Student rep. >> All those in favor? I. So moved. Okay, the first item under discussion is um and again the public has opportunity to make comments um public comments on this. First one up though is review of CSBA updates February 2026. Dr. Patrick. >> Yes. Thank you trustee president. So, what you have before you are the CSBA, the first read for the CSBA updates, um items 3000s, business and non-instructional operations and administrative rigs 3 440, inventories items 4,000, personnel board policy 411.21 21 4119.24 4156.3 4219.21 4219.24 4256.3 4 4319.21 4319.24 24 4356.3 4 excuse me 5144.1 514 5145.2 6142.7 6.1 6146.3 6146.4
0316173.1 6173.2 6173.3 6173.4 4 6175 0.1 and 9323. I'll entertain any questions if there are any at this time. >> Thank you very much. Do we have any questions? So, I haven't had the opportunity to read these thoroughly, but I will say there are some really important board policy changes coming that I from an education background was pretty I was pretty surprised to see um in some of these board policies. And I think it's something that we need to make sure that we don't just approve as a board policy, but then roll out changes. One of them that um being a fifth grade teacher, use of nicknames would be against board policy. Um other things I mean most of them are really um I mean they're just apparent you should never do that but they
032have made some changes that maybe aren't apparent um in in some of these board policies. So, I do think that um taking a look at them um and letting our personnel know our our people know the changes would be really important. Thank you. >> Do you have any public comment on this? No. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Okay, next up we have Martinez Adult Education Contraosta Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Program salary increase Janelle Ayat. Good evening um Dr. Patrick and board. Um tonight I'm bringing for information the um proposed Martinez adult education joint apprenticeship program salary increases. This is something that's usually brought forward every year. Um, our adult education instructors are a part of our apprenticeship program and their salaries are established through their local union trades union. And so as a result um we
033are bringing forward for information tonight the um increase for the journey level worker salary um for their increase this year. This is not an impact to the general fund for Martinez unified. The funding for these teachers does come from the related and supplemental instruction funding that's provided by the state to support our apprenticeship education program. Um and again has no impact on the general fund. So this will be brought back um in two weeks for approval. >> Thank you. And you're right, we do see this every year. Do we have any board questions, public comment? Great. Well, thank you very much. Next item um is the 2025 2026 SEC second interim report. Andy Cannon. Uh good evening, president, trustees, superintendent, and members of the public. Tonight I will be presenting the second interim for Martinez
034Unified for the 202526 fiscal year. The second interim updates show our actual revenues and expenditures from the beginning of this fiscal year which began in July and go all the way through January 31st. So ended over a month ago and it allows us to revise our fiscal outlook u based on what we showed in the first interim where you heard the first interim letter and that support from the county office um already this evening. Um we are required as a district to certify our budget status and we have one of three categories. We can go positive, qualified or negative. And this is all based on our ability to be able to fund the current year and the next two subsequent years of our fiscal um program. When we develop a budget and even when we
035evaluate it, we use certain assumptions. The table in front of you details those assumptions. Um what you'll notice here is that we have a mostly stable funded ADA and we have a slightly declining enrollment. Um and that trend is going to continue for the next couple of years. Um we have adjusted our budget ADA percentage. It was at 94.5% but we are seeing that we are returning to more normal ADA standards that were precoid. We still have some room to grow but we are now changing our adjustment to 95%. Um for unduplicated um pupil percentages, this is our lowincome and foster, homeless, and our English learner students. Um we are seeing a drop, but it should be balancing out to approximately 33% this year and down to 32% over the next two years. U cola
036um is below 3% and this is an adjustment for first interim. we were looking at um being about 3% in 2627 and three and a half percent in 2728. So this is slight adjustments from first interim and these figures are based on the second interim um are really from uh school services of California and the governor's budget that was presented in January. Um we do have some good news when it comes to our PERS employer rates. Previously we were thinking that by the the third year we would have about 27.8%. So this is a little bit lower. Um so that is healthy and will benefit our budget when we do um our classified staff uh pers contributions. When you look at our health and welfare increases this year we were just at 5%. We are
037conservatively budging over the next two years at 8%. Um not knowing exactly where the health industry will be and for the fact that we don't get those numbers until July. So it's after our budget adoption. So we're a little more conservative when it comes to this time period. Um, our enrollment has been previously over the last couple years influenced by our transitional kindergarten expansion. This is um, and we've talked about this before when we allow um, younger kids into the program that builds on our overall enrollment, but it has masked over the last few years a declining enrollment overall. Um, and that declining enrollment is expected to be about 2% over the next um, two years. Um the chart here does show and compare enrollment to actual ADA and again we have modified our ADA
038assumption from 94.5% to 95%. At the P1 which we mentioned about a month ago we were at 96.2%. We're hoping to stay close to that but in reviewing data for February we had a really tough month with sickness. So overall as a district we were about 93% attendance. So, we were hit extremely hard. Um, especially at the junior high. A bug must have just tore through that campus. As we move through the presentation, um, I always want to look at our enrollment, ADA, and revenue just to kind of give a baseline, an overall approach to what our budget looks like. Um, so this chart gives us multiple years going back to 2324. It's giving us our cola, our LCFF revenue, the increase in LCFF, and that percentage. And again, we have mentioned this many times.
039COLA is not synonymous with revenue growth. COLA is based on your ADA figures. And you could have potential where a sizable COLA could mean very little revenue. And I want to continue to kind of focus on 2425. We had a 1% COLA, but we had 1.3 million or a negative almost 3% drop in our revenue. So, we always have to be mindful of how COLA and our LCFF revenue increases kind of match to our budget and what we do with that information. The great news for this year and the next two years is we don't see a drop in our LCF revenue. We see increases. Um this year we see more of an increase in LCFF than our COLA, but the next two years we see less of an LCF increase than our um COLA.
040And again that is due to declining enrollment even though our ADA numbers are starting to creep up. Uh and this chart um you've seen it many times is just another way to visualize that we see this steady growth in LCFF revenue. But again to highlight that we are just this year in 2526 um surpassing what our 2324 total was. Again that 2425 amount was a sizable dip for us and made really some made us have some really difficult budget conversations which we all remember from the last two months. When we look at revenue um we see that at second interim we have 62.25 25 million overall in revenue and that is about a 1.6% increase from first interim. The local revenue area is the one that has the most sizable growth. This is led by
041interest earnings um afterchool fees for parents who um want to participate in that program with their students. Facility rentals and largely through MEF donations. And the reason why MEF donations cause a lot of this is because we don't input this at the beginning of the year. We take a very conservative approach because we want to make sure that MEF is able to to do a lot of fundraising. Um once fundraising is done and the grants are awarded, we increase the revenue at the same rate that we increase the expenditures. So it'll look it'll show that our revenue went up, it'll show that our expenditures went up, but there's a net zero effect because of that. Other state increases um include about $216,000 for afterchool program and that's because the state at the beginning of the
042year gives us a very low ball number that they say that we're going to receive for this even though their required statutory giving rate or allocation rate is much higher. So at this point we've increased that and we see there's some potential for further increases as we get to the end of the year in June. And you may see this number go up even more for other state with the expanded learning opportunities program. When we look at expenditures, we see a total expenditures of 64.23 million which is up.3% and yes we are spending more than we are taking in which means that we are deficit spending. When you look at salary and benefit costs, they are mostly stable certificated zero with a little bit of reductions to classified and benefits. And again, that benefits amount
043is because we had budgeted for 6% and we came out at 5%. So, we see some good gains there. Um, once again, we talked about MEF, our books and supplies cost um increased considerably. Um and our capital outlay is a small amount. Um but we did not budget for all of our kitchen infrastructure projects through one of our grants through the state. This is an increase because of um materials and work that we do in our kitchens. So it's a large variance of 58% but it's not a whole lot of money and in the whole relative scheme of things um from 35,000 to 84,000. When we go to our multi-year projection, um, this is where I'm going to spend a little bit of time because I want to make sure that that everyone understands what
044is in this slide because the slide has accurate information, but it can be misleading. It can be misleading because this does not include our current 2% approved salary increases that the board did um just last month. And the reason for that is because this period ends in January 31st. So the period ended before the board approved and also before any dollars increased dollars went to our employees. Um so what I don't like doing is trying to overly project something that we know that we are going to report on when we get to June. During the June budget adoption, we do two things. We look at our estimated actuals, what we think we're going to spend through the end of June, and also what our next year's budget is going to be. So when you get
045that June budget, you should focus on the estimated actuals and that'll tell us how much increase it was for salary, benefits um and other cost. So now getting into um um to this slide, I want you to look at beginning balance July 1 in 2526. We start this year with a little over $9 million. And this is a combined unrestricted and restricted for our general fund, which is fund 01. Within three years, so at the end of 2728, we will end with just over $5 million. So that's a decline of $4 million. We are projected to deficit spend $4 million. And that is before the 2% um salary increase. Now, when we pull out just the unrestricted side, and I want to key your focus on the required 3% reserve and the unassigned unrestricted, those
046two together, you're about $4.55 million. So, we have just about $4.5 million left over at the end of this year projected for unrestricted. Almost two million of it is we have to set aside because the state says it's a required 3%. The other 2.6 is in addition to that. Now these unassigned unrestricted as you go across from left to right over the years you go from 2.6 to 2.17 million. This is where it's misleading because it doesn't include the raise. So what I'm projecting by the time we get to estimated actuals that will go from 2.6 in 2526 down to 800,000 in 2728. So we'll see that sizable drop because those raises um happen for each year. So, you carry over that dollar amount and it's going to bring that balance down. So, to the
047point of the county's letter that you heard tonight, bringing down your reserves that close to your 3% causes some issues. For example, um with that amount of dollars, we wouldn't be able to afford one month's worth of payroll. So, if we ever got into a situation with one month and we didn't have the cash, we would actually have to borrow money in order to make payroll that month. Now, I'm not saying that because that's going to happen. I'm just giving a scenario about how you can be fiscally conservative and make sure that you are holding back enough reserves so that you can deal with any of the unexpect unexpected things that may happen with the economy and with the school district. So for here right now we are projecting a sizable reserve. We know that
048it's going to decline when you see the June adopted budget um presentation um which will be June I think 9th first week of June. We do have other accounts besides our fundo1, but we do spend the most of our time in fund one because that's where the bulk of our money is. Um, as you look through here, we have healthy reserves and our other funds. Um, I want to highlight our fund 21. It shows just $14 million. We will have more in that. We have not sold the rest of the bonds. We still have $60 million more of bonds that we will sell that we will sell over the years when we need that cash. as we do construction projects. In fund 35, we have 16 million. It will help to offset some of the
049largestgeness of our projects that we have in our facility master plan that we're currently working on and we'll get additional money from the state for John's sweat in any of our new projects. It usually just takes a couple of years before the state to give us partial reimbursement for those. Um and then as we go down through what I like always seeing is fund 73, you have um so many scholarship funds in there. So that is the availability to continue for a long period of time to offer scholarships to our high school kids. And these are from wonderful donors who want to see our kids succeed because of some connection they've had, whether they're graduates or community members of the area. And that's, you know, just a really great thing to see there. Um, our
050oped, I'll go back to fund 20. it will not be 798 um when we get to the end of the year because this board approved 400,000 of it 420,000 of it um to be moved into the general fund. So we'll see all of those changes and adjustments as we get to June. But for right now um this second interim projection is is good. I mean we are in a healthy spot. So u when I started the presentation I talked about the three different classifications for certification. Um although many school districts around us are struggling with cuts, u this board um worked really hard with the community and through a lot of thoughtful um discussion made the difficult decisions to make reductions. Those reductions plus just being fiscally conservative and aware of our budget is allowing
051us to project a positive certification. So that means that we can pay for this year's budget and the next year's year's budget from what we're projecting. Um coming down the road um you will continue to hear deficit spending until we are no longer deficit spending. Um we um as the board and as cabinet and as a committee have reduced $2.5 million in the 2627 which is next year. Um but we will still be deficit spending. Um, we know that some of our one-time block grants are expiring. We're very hopeful based on information coming out of the state legislature legislaturator's office that we'll get more one-time funds, but again, those are one-time funds that if we put staffing and other ongoing expenses into it, we'll continue to deficit spend and we'll have to make plans around
052that. Um, we have gone through multiple years of dealing with deficit spending and cuts. I think I think I can speak for all of us when we'd like to take a break from that. We'd like to get back on the north side of that deficit spending line. Um, as always, I put in special education because it is a large cost in contribution. That is because the state and the federal government do not provide adequate funding for all of our special education needs and so we have to contribute from the general fund. Um, and lastly, collective bargaining. Um, we have settled which all of us are aware of and those expenditures will be shown in that 2627 budget in the estimated actuals um section of that report. Um, we have our annual fiscal reports. Um, our
053next one up will be our 2627 budget in June. And then as we go through, if we need a 45day revise based on what the legislature chooses for the budget, we have that available in August. And then we get back on the hamster wheel of September, December, and March for other reporting periods. Um, and with that, I am open to any questions about the second inter budget that you may have. >> Well, thank you very much. I know that a number of board members have questions, so we'll start. Courtney, did you have any questions? >> Okay, go ahead, Brenda. >> Actually, Andy answered most of my questions, but I do have one. So since this was done in January was the end and we had not approved those cuts to the budget until February. Are
054those reflected in the multi-year projection? >> Yes, they are. >> Okay. So that's already woven into that. >> Yeah, that one I can easily kind of put numbers around it because we had gone through all that process. So I go ahead and put those in, but I did not put the raise. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I had a quick question. So, you said we have about 40 million or 40 or 60 million dollars in bonds that we haven't sold yet. With the rates being pretty favorable, is there any reason why we don't sell them all and just put them to the side and collect interest on them? >> Yes, we're required to to use the funds within a certain time frame. And because we have to plan out construction and program that, we don't
055want to sell them too early because we would have to pay penalties. >> And those penalties would exceed the interest that you would get on them. >> That's correct. >> Matthew, do you have any questions? >> Nope. >> Okay. >> Um, I had one other question. So, which figure would workers comp be in uh when you were going over changes? for example, it doesn't change every year because I'm not sure what the district if they buy through the state fund or if they have some other third party. >> Um, >> we belong to a joint powers authority, so a JPA, and they set the workman's comp rates for us. And that is a group of 12, 14 different school districts. >> Yeah. And Janelle sits on that group. >> And does that change every year?
056Is it like every so many years? And then where would it be reflected in like which >> it would go into our benefits section and benefits would include a lot of things including workman's comp and every year the rates change but usually up and they give us a report and say this is what you need to budget for the next year >> and then after they finalize everything do you does the district receive money back if they overpaid because it sounds like you guys are pooling and I know with some agencies or at least businesses you will receive receive a refund if for some reason costs were not as high as they were. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Actually, I actually do have a question. So, I know that you said that we factored this
057budget cut in. Is that I I assume this isn't factoring any other ones in in like subsequent years in when we have our uh estimated total expenditures for the next like two fiscal years. Um, so like for the 27 28 I'm seeing that that's it's going down from this year because of our our cuts, right? And then it goes back up as you know spending just increases. Is if we have say like you know another million dollar cut it what it what it looks like to me is that would put us right about at even with our revenues. Is that like is would that be how it worked? >> Yes, it would. Um but that would also be offset by the increase for the salary that's going to come in at the end of June.
058Um so for example when you look at um if you look at the unrestricted and restricted slide Joe can you put that up just to show that the excess deficiency line is your overall deficit spending for fundo one and that will go up with the 2% raise. This does not break apart unrestricted versus restricted. Okay. >> Um, director Cannon, the on the um expenditures, the one of the big uh differences between first interm and second interm was the books and supplies. Is that because of the um new curriculum that needs to be adopted or is that a different reason? >> That's MEF. So when we increase the MEF donation, we spend it on a lot of books and supplies. >> Okay. Okay. Um, yeah, you guys, you've answered my questions. Um, I think they were
059before. Uh, just want to mention also that we, um, you guys are looking just for the public, they are looking at grants for things. So, just so you know that we are trying to find other ways out there. Um, and then next I'll go to public comments. I have one already on this. I don't if anyone else wants to fill one out, but right now we have Stephanie Wentz. Um, so I Stephanie wants um I guess I'll be with CSEA. Um, I'm like I'm not a parent anymore. Um, I have a few questions. Um, in looking this over um we're making um very large um reductions, two and a half million this year. We've made reductions in the past. Um, and these are people's livelihoods, people's jobs are going away. Um, and so I understand
060that we want to be conservative, but I have some concerns in that the reserve is 3%, but the report says we're actually at 7.09% and we'll be reducing to 6.36%. So that's far over the 3% um, required reserves. And if you look here at the um unrestricted unassigned in the December um uh first entrum, the three-year out number was two like 206,000 and now we're back up to 2.1 million. Um, so I feel in looking at this and maybe I just need more explanation, but we're making $2 million, $2.5 million in cuts and all it's doing is going here into a savings account. Um, so those are my concerns and questions. Thanks. >> Thank you. Um, I don't know. I just was going to say that but we're at 3% reserves in year three, correct,
061Andy? No, >> with these numbers >> we'll be a little bit north of 3%. >> But we'll So even though we're higher now, we will be at 3% in three years and that's where we have to budget out to. >> Yes. >> Yeah. So >> she's going to answer that question. >> So I have a a follow-up question. um we need 3% in order to function but is there a maximum reserve for our district that we that we are not supposed to go over? >> There is not a maximum in general. There are some cases where based on different LCFF formulas if we hit one of the test we're not allowed to go over 10% reserve. >> Okay. and we are in one of those test environments. So next year we are not allowed to
062be over 10% reserve which we will not be. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Could you explain that a little bit more for me? >> Um I would love to be really concise on it. Um but I can tell you that there are three different tests that the state um government uses to determine where we are for LCFF. um it is more than the previous year and off the top of my head I can't give you the other two. So u they go through this whole calculation and I believe Brenda you were with us when we went to school services and so they'll talk about test one, test two and test three and tell you what environment and then that dictates how they create the LCFF calculator that then allows us to determine how much it
063is. Um so that's about as much as I can do off the top. If you'd like more information, I can provide it in the weekly update. >> And I think the bottom line is we're still deficit spending, which is why it's it's going to go down. >> It's going to continue to go down, and we need to have three years out. >> So, okay. So, just to clear that up. So, we have 7%ish, but over the three years based on the the numbers, it's going to be down to three. >> Slightly over three. Is that correct? >> Whatever. >> That is correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Did you >> I mean I I I found the letter from the county a little alarming. I don't know about you all, but I mean it's we there
064is not extra money. And if I think if people don't understand why I think I'm going to put Andy on the spot and say please reach out to him and I think he would be happy to answer questions more detailed. Is that okay to say? >> I'm more than happy to discuss the budget in lots of different venues. >> Thank you. Did you have something, Matthew? >> Yeah. I was wondering if I know you said you f you when you factor in that 2% in the 2728 you're going to end with an unassigned unrestricted of like 800,000. Is that two 2% raised or just the one from this year? Because if we have, you know, another one next year, which I would I would hope we do, is that going to make it even less
065than 800,000 or is that including one in the next budget? >> There are no future raises calculated in the multi-year, just the one that was approved by the board. >> Okay. So even if we don't If if there's no second raise, we're still going to have less than like with 800, it's going to be 800 on 2 million is like less than you're going to have less than 4.5% in in reserve then, right? >> That's correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I think it's just really hard for people to realize that we're going out three years and so even though we're positive now, because we have that deficit spending, it's going to continue to go down. But I am also I agree with you Courtney on the uh concerned about the letter wording but we are
066making it but we are trying our best and again um staff is really diligent about looking at grants and looking at other opportunities for things. So um >> well and I think there's some good news that may be coming in in terms of we don't know yet because February, right? But we may have some good news in terms of attendance. We may have some good news in terms of what the governor uh funds us. um May is coming and there are other um things that are going to change these amounts. These are projections and a projection is not like written in stone. It's just the best guess that you have. Um >> and again, we're being conservative. >> Okay, so this is where I'm getting confused. >> Maybe I just didn't have enough coffee. Um
067so we're at around 7% but over the three years we'll be at somewhere hopefully around three. But we're making cuts every like next year we're projecting to make 2.5. That's where I'm kind of getting lost. Okay. So with the 2.5 potentially next year depending on circumstances plus being around 7% we're going to get to that 3% over three years. >> Trustee I also want to remind you that remember he said in the interim it does not include the increase. So correct >> that's going to take the number down. >> Okay. So basically nothing changes >> for the most part. That's where with that pay raise um the 2% we agreed on that would alone take that down to the close to 3%. Is that correct? >> That's correct. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Unless we
068get more money from the state, which we are optimistic, Brenda and I both attended that with um Dr. Patrick and Andy and some others and it was I'm still very optimistic that we were going to get some more money. >> Yeah, I was just trying to figure out how we got to that. Yeah. >> And I can't help but remark that we are not getting all of our Prop 98 money that the governor has chosen to delay that, defer it, if you will. And that's a sizable amount of money as well. And um I think we should have a campaign to write him a letter and say quit underfunding education, which is what he continues to do. Um and it's happened over the last three. >> Let's do it. I'm serious. Let's do it. >>
069I'm serious. Yeah, absolutely. So, it's been three years of underfunding Prop 98. So, we haven't gotten our full guarantee, which is completely unfair. >> It is. It is. All right. It looks like we have one last um public comment. Someone snuck in real quick. Jen Fennel, >> I'm a lot shorter. Sorry. Um so, I just do want to clarify um a little bit. So, I was looking at the third attachment that was attached to this and it says um I'm just quoting directly. The most significant concern remains ongoing deficit spending. Multi-year projections show operating shortfalls of approximately 1.99 million in 2025 to 26, 990,000 in 2026 to 2027 and 1.05 million in 2027 to 28. reducing the projected ending balance from 9.16 million to 5.14 million and lowering reserves from 7.09% to 6.36%. Which is
070a lot more than just the 3% statutory minimum. Um I think I do understand that we were talking about a 2% increase but I believe that the OPED original OP fund was stated to be um the expected amount for that which was about 400,000. So or around that. I I I might be playing playing a little bit loose there, but um I don't believe that the expected increase is about three million. So, thank you. >> Just have a quick Where are you reading this from? Is this from the letter? >> This is uh the executive summary right there. >> Okay, gotcha. >> The last one, I believe it's uh the conclusion. >> So, the the OPED 400 and some change was to pay the backdated six months, not for the future. Correct. with the retrop
071pay. Yes, >> it all goes into the same pot. It's all into the general fund pot and then we'll spend it out. But the reality is is the 2% raise is what's decreasing what you see here with um when we showed the chart that's decreasing it over the next couple of years and you'll see that when you get the estimated actuals in June. >> I think the best thing to do is um Jen can talk directly to Andy and get clarification. So we're not going to go back and forth too much on public comment about that. Yeah. Um, so Jen, if you want to get with Andy, you can have that conversation. Um, any other comments? >> Um, >> sorry, just a second. >> From what I'm seeing, there's a there's like two different tables,
072right? And so you have the unrestricted one and then you have the unassign unrestricted and restricted. And so that 6.36% number is from the unrestricted. And then what was shown on the screen is the unrestricted andrestricted. So you have like another 13 million in revenues. There's there's a lot there's more in there is is what I'm seeing is like the reason for that discrepancy. >> Thank you very much. So again, Andy will be happy to talk. He loves talking to people about numbers. That's what he does. I'm sorry I'm putting you on the spot here. Um anyways. Okay. Uh, next up we have superintendent report. >> This is an action item. >> What? >> Oh, it's an action item. You're right. So, I'm so sorry. Got so into this. Okay. Do we have a motion?
073>> I'll move to approve the 2025 to 26 second interim report. >> I'll second it. Student vote. >> I. >> All those in favor? >> I. So moved. Thank you, Brenda, for catching that. Okay. Next up, we have superintendent report. >> All right. So, this report I'll keep short. It won't be as long as the last time. Um, but a couple of highlights. Uh, first, I'd like to um speak to the great things that are happening every day across MUSD. Our classrooms are filled with hands-on learning, student creativity, meaningful experiences that help our young people understand the world. And as we recognize women hi women women's history month, um this is also a moment to highlight the inspiring work of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the strong uh school communities that make
074our district a great place to um a great place where every student learner can thrive. Um, again, I also just want to make sure that I give a heartfelt congratulations to all of the educators of the year at each of our school sites. Um, as well as to our um, district teacher of the year, uh, Miss Katie Collins. Um, and we are really excited. I recently attended a reception honoring teachers from all the districts. It was um an uplifting event that celebrated the honores and also set the stage for the fall reception where I know all the board members will attend with me um in recognizing all of the teachers for their individual accomplishments in a a more formal setting. Um, I want to highlight our music teacher, Vincent Pizulo, who was honored with the
075mayor impact award for his exceptional contributions to music instruction in Martinez. The mayor, city officials, school board members, and the Martinez chamber of commerce commerce join together to recognize his influence. Sorry about that. To recognize his influence. um um on students and the broader community. Uh the celebration was even more special by the outstanding ukulele performance from John Mir. Our students from John Mir Elementary showcasing their musical growth and the strength of our arts program which we also saw tonight was just amazing. And um I also want to just share that my ongoing visits to classrooms and school events continue to demonstrate the deep commitment to learning that is shared by our students, staff, and the entire MUSD community. Whether it's a school band performance, an art exhibit, or a literacy night, our students are
076actively engaged and participating with enthusiasm. And it's these moments that reflect the strength of our programs and the dedication of our ed educators who make them pro possible. And um it is it definitely remains a great honor to serve this community and witness firsthand the excellence happening in our schools. And this concludes my report. >> Thank you very much. Uh, Courtney. >> Um, I'm gonna pass to my fellow board members. Let other people talk. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Brenda. >> Um, I do have, uh, one question for Dr. Patrick. Um, normally we recognize the certificated and classified employees of the year at the board meeting. Is that still up up and coming? >> Yes, that is coming. >> Oh, good. Okay. Yes. Thank you. >> We're going to make it very special for all
077of them. >> Great. >> Absolutely. Um I did want to bring up that I was at the DACA meeting um last week I think and um we went over uh the EL master plan and talked a little bit about the LCAP and they rank ordered things in terms of um what they thought was very important uh to keep. There was a public comment um about speaking at the board meetings during that meeting and there was confusion as to how if you were Spanish speaking um you would be able to speak at a board meeting and it was clarified that you get double the time and that you get uh an interpreter but I'm wondering because that was just a very small group of people. So, I'm wondering if we shouldn't include that where we have
078on our our our agenda where it says to let us know ahead of time if you need um any special arrangements made um to be able to speak. And I'm wondering if we should put put in there also delineate that if if you want to speak, let us know 72 hours in advance if you need an interpreter. Um and then we did clarify that you get double the time. So, um I just wanted to make that clear. That's a great point and actually in the first page it does say if you're an individual with a disability or need accommodation to participate, please contact the office of the superintendent at least 72 hours in advance. We probably should add though if you need um translating services and I >> they didn't read that in. I I
079knew that it said that but they didn't read that in. They didn't think that that applied to translation. So that's a good >> Okay. So we should just add translation possibly, Dr. Patrick. And then um and again just to clarify it's they still speak for three minutes but then the interpreter has three minutes to repeat what it was so that everyone here understands but that was a good catch. Um Logan >> well I'm going to let I would like you to talk about the readathon and the governance training but >> I'll talk about the readathon. Go ahead. >> I'll let you do those. Uh I just want to remind everyone that's a facilities meeting uh Wednesday at 4:30 >> Alhammer High School. So make sure you attend that. It should be exciting. And then andy
080Cannon will be there. So if you have more questions and then um I was able to attend with everyone here the uh recognition of Mr. Pulo. Um and one thing I just wanted to um uh thank MRC for is Bri touched on it. uh Mayor Zorn um of all the money that we've been able to raise over the last few year and all the community partnerships. Um so I just want to again thank MRC for contributing. >> Huh? >> Well, yeah. And then just contributing so much um to you know because again with all these cuts like we we couldn't do it without them or this community. So thank you. >> Great job recognizing them. And who what did you want me to talk about besides the readathon? >> Our governance training. Yeah, I was
081gonna talk about that. Okay. Well, I'm just >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So, we did have Readathon and then were some at the different elementary schools. Um Dr. Patrick was there. Um Logan, Brenda um and I think uh and I was there also and it was very fun and I understand um I missed I had to leave, but Logan actually put the little um hat on for um his story and kids just love that. But that was a really great event and they had it um this year they had like a costume party or costume contest. Um and I know we've done these in the past, but it was really it was really cute and had a great time um going there. And I know um the supervisor uh Chanel Preston Scott went to
082or I said her name wrong. Um she went to the one at Mel Park. Um I know she was there and she enjoyed that as well. So that was that was a great event. Um so thank you for whoever put that on. Um and then also um this on Saturday we had our governance training uh and um started at 9:15 and we actually just touched on um you know board norms and just our roles and you know wanted to make sure that um we understand our vision, policy and accountability and that the superintendent um really focuses on the execution and operations. Um as well as um we want to talk about reinforcing transparency. Um and we got our little homework. We got a little book um the governance core 2.0. And so um I know
083we're going to be doing some um reading chapters on that. So we're going to be in school ourselves uh just to make sure we have good governance. But it was a good day. We also were able to quickly run down to um Boys and Girls Club. We took a break and we were able to see um well we actually missed the high school performance but we did get pictures and we did see them there. Uh so that was nice. Um and there were lot lots of students there so that was fun. And the mural was there too. Yes. And the actual the beautiful mural and they were still actually doing the finishing touches on that. >> And I'm not sure if everyone knows but um I think it was New Leaf uh or who was
084it that rellandscaped the front of the book. Yeah. So thank them for that as well. looked it was amazing and thanks to doc tacos don chai the chamber uh barista all the pe loaves and fishes everyone that participated to make that such a great event >> yes and Logan was the only one who came in a suit um for that day rest of us were a little more casually dressed so that was very nice um and with that um we don't have any additional public comments and we didn't need any more close session so with that we are adjourning at oh My goodness, this early. Um, I'm not going to say that, but we are journing at 7:48 p.m.