Balanced Budget Process
In 2024-25, the District will engage with staff, students, parents/guardians, and community members in a comprehensive process to balance the budget for the 2025-26 school year.
This page will be continuously updated to share resources and opportunities to learn about, discuss, and provide input on this budget balancing process.
Updates:
12/20 from Superintendent
At the Board of Education’s regular meeting on December 18, Budget Director James Arcala presented the first interim budget report, which included a more accurate projection based on actual spending. I presented updated cut targets based on this report and proposed budget cut items, organized by funding category and ease of implementation. The Board asked clarifying questions and shared feedback, which our staff will take into account as we prepare our final recommendations for the next board meeting on January 8, 2025.
Thank you to those who have shared feedback in the re-opened budget input portal – the Trustees have received copies of the input before the December 18 discussion. After reviewing the updated reduction scenarios, please continue to provide specific feedback, which the Trustees will receive before the January 8 decision. The portal will remain open until Friday, January 3, 2025.
11/22 from Superintendent
At their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday (Nov 20), the Board got their first look at the budget reduction scenarios informed by community input in October. A video of the discussion is available here. The Board and district leadership are dedicated to engaging in meaningful discussions about becoming a more efficient organization while safeguarding the heart of what makes FUSD special. By leaning on our collective resilience and exploring opportunities to secure ongoing funding, FUSD is confident it can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger together. After reviewing the reduction scenarios, please visit the re-opened budget input portal and provide specific feedback.
11/18 Update on Balanced Budget Process from Superintendent (parentsquare.com)
PLEASE NOTE Initial Scenarios Slides:Â Behind each of these scenarios are people whose contribution and humanity we value as a member of our FUSD family. Reductions are never easy. FUSD leadership present this comprehensive deck with the somberness and humility it deserves. We invite readers to recognize the painstaking care and creativity with which it was designed in an effort to minimize or delay the negative impacts as best as possible. To see the possibility, one must read this deck in its entirety to fully understand the relationship of the scenarios in the first two sections with the scenarios in the last four sections. Scenarios become more creative as the sections evolve. Understanding the scenarios in their entirety provide greater clarity and hope.
Timeline of Important Dates
September 11, 2024
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
District staff presented the 2023-24 Unaudited Actual Financial Report for Board approval on September 11, 2024.Â
The Unaudited Actuals Presentation included information outlining that at least $30 million in budget reductions were needed to achieve a balanced budget in 2025-26, with Board action needed in January 2025.Â
September 13, 2024
Alameda County Office of Education Issues Budget Letter
The Alameda County Office of Education issued
a letter regarding the District's 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
The County conditionally approved FUSD's budget and LCAP for 2024-25. A conditional approval means that FUSD is required to take further actions, including:
- identifying a target amount for budget reductions and adjustments
- establish a timeline for the actions by March 2025
The County's concerns are based on the ending of the Measure I Parcel Tax, the District's ongoing structural deficit, and the unknown future costs from bargaining obligations, which remain open at this time.
September 18, 2024
Special Meeting of the Board of Education
The Board held A Balanced Budget for Fiscal Sustainability Workshop to provide initial direction on the process and timeline for the balanced budget process.
October 2024
Community Input Sessions
The District will host town halls to gather community input. Please join us at one or more of these sessions, which will have similar content and opportunities to provide feedback.
View presentation slides: October 2024 Budget Slide Deck - English | Ver en español | 看ä¸æ–‡
- Tuesday, October 15, 4:30-6pm - virtual
- Click here to view recording of October 15 virtual meeting
- Wednesday, October 16, 4:30-5:30pm - Student Forum for Budget Reduction at the District Office
- Wednesday, October 16, 6-8pm -Â Mission San Jose High School Theater
- Thursday, October 17, 6-8pm -Â Warwick Elementary MUR
- Friday, October 18, 10-11:45am -Â Fremont Adult & Continuing Education MUR
Also during October, principals and directors will lead input sessions with staff, and school organizations (such as PTAs) may offer sessions for families.
October 23, 2024
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
At the Board's Regular Meeting on Oct 23, Staff will provide update on budget actuals in support of clearer cut targets.
October Budget Update Mid-Interim Report | Video of Presentation
October 31, 2024
Balanced Budget Input Portal Closes
The anonymous Balanced Budget Input Portal survey will close on Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Please be advised that while responses are anonymous, results will be shared as part of the public record.
November 20, 2024
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
Draft Scenarios Public - At the Board's Regular Meeting on Nov 20, Staff will provide initial reduction scenarios for information.
December 2, 2024
Special Meeting of the Board of Education
The Board will host a special meeting, during which staff introduce initial reduction options and recommendations. The Board will provide input for consideration prior to action.
December 2024
Re-opened Budget Input Portal
After reviewing the reduction scenarios, please visit the re-opened budget input portal and provide specific feedback. Open until Friday, January 3, 2025.
Thank you.
December 18, 2024
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
The Board will conduct its annual Reorganization Meeting and one new member will be seated.
First Interim Presentation Budget Report (pdf) Presentation (pdf) Video of Presentation (vimeo)
January 8, 2025
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
At this meeting, staff will present reduction tiers with recommendations for Board action, updated based on Board direction in the December 2 meeting.
The Board will discuss and take action on budget reductions.
The meeting agenda will be posted here when available.Â
Balanced Budget Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers to frequently asked questions about the District's budget and this balanced budget process.