11/18/24 Update on Balanced Budget Process

Dear FUSD Families,

I hope you had a restful weekend. As planned, this Wednesday’s School Board meeting will include the introduction of a 100+ page deck of potential budget reduction scenarios for the Board to consider as it determines how to balance the budget, addressing the $35 million structural deficit. If you have not been tracking the process and discussion, I invite you to review the regularly updated Balanced Budget page on the district’s website. 

As a significantly underfunded district, Fremont has already reduced considerably and is currently the leanest district in Alameda County. Yet, we still need to become leaner. With creative problem-solving and a resilient spirit, we will find new and more efficient ways of operating. I am committed to leading us in this effort and ask for your collaboration and support as we journey forward together. 

The scenarios I will present to the Board (November 20th Agenda Item) reflect the input that so many of you provided in October. The scenarios are not decisions or recommendations. They illuminate how FUSD spends its money and where we might find a 10-20% reduction across the organization. The entire deck should be read and received in its entirety to understand how all the parts and options fit together. The scenarios do offer hope, as options that protect some of our most cherished and impactful staffing/programs, at least in the short term, are included. 

The Board and district leadership look forward to a robust discussion over the next several weeks. I invite you to stay engaged. Below are important dates in the process, and we will continue to update our Balanced Budget webpage. On Wednesday, I will seek the Board’s direction regarding additional input opportunities for the community; please be on the lookout for ways to weigh in on the scenarios. 

Weds, Nov 20: Board reviews Reduction Scenarios and asks clarifying questions of staff.

Weds, Dec 2: The Board begins discussing and debating reduction options at its special meeting dedicated to balancing the budget.

Weds, Dec 18: FUSD Staff presents the First Interim Budget report. The Board continues discussing and debating reduction options at their regularly scheduled meeting.

Weds, Jan 8: The Board takes action on reductions at their regularly scheduled meeting.

This is just the next step in a long process of putting Fremont Unified on a prosperous and stable path toward financial sustainability and continued excellent student outcomes. This season will be difficult, but together, we will persevere. Of one thing I am sure—our best days are ahead of us. 

In partnership,

Erik