Riding a Wave of State Budget Uncertainty, SPUSD Develops Plans Based on Governor Newsom’s May Revision Proposal

Leaders Follow Step-By-Step Approach to Help Pinpoint Necessary Reductions in the 2020-2021 Budget and Multi-Year Projections

SOUTH PASADENA, Calif. (June 9, 2020) – South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) today shared its most detailed budget plans yet for 2020-2021. While narrower in focus, the budget projections were built upon assumptions that may change as soon as mid-June, when the Governor and Legislature agree on an updated version of the State’s spending plan. The proposed budget presented by SPUSD at the school board meeting includes a total of $4.4 million in cuts based on the Governor’s May Revision.  

“SPUSD has been put in a very difficult position to make quick and decisive reductions based on the Governor’s May Revise,” said Superintendent Geoff Yantz. “Unfortunately, to meet the expected decrease in State revenue and decline of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), the District must downsize in order to reduce a larger part of its expenditures. These changes must happen now in order for SPUSD to meet its statutory requirement and remain solvent in the upcoming school years.”

To meet the total reductions needed, cuts will be made across the board including to certificated, classified, and management positions along with services, supplies, and reserve fund contributions. Recently, all three elementary school assistant principals were transitioned to new roles to reduce administrative costs. While fee-based programs such as Food and Nutrition and Extended Day are outside the scope of the general fund, operations were severely impacted by the pandemic and also will be affected pending how schools will operate in August.  

“The Food and Nutrition and Extended Day programs and employees provide a critical service to our students and their families,” said Yantz.  “Returning to normal operations would be the best outcome for everyone. In August, we should have more information and these programs should be able to provide some level of operation depending upon the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines and the instructional models for our schools.”

           For the next few months and potentially longer, the District will ride a roller coaster of state funding uncertainty. State officials and fiscal advisors recently shared that districts should expect significant changes to the Governor’s May Budget Revision, which serves as the foundation for school districts to develop and adopt operating budgets for approval by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. The loss of state funding, coupled with the need for districts to spend on necessary infrastructure and supplies for safely reopening schools, create significant challenges to establishing a budget that meets statutory requirements and deadlines.   

           “Federal funding may help offset some of the expected reductions, but the timing and amount are uncertain,” said Superintendent Yantz. “We’re also planning to reevaluate our financial position based on the State’s amended budget in August. Making difficult decisions now, given the State’s constantly changing financial condition, is not only required, it places SPUSD in a more stable financial position.”

About South Pasadena Unified School District

Established in 1886, the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) serves approximately 4,800 students within five schools including three elementary schools, one middle school and one comprehensive high school in South Pasadena, California.  Nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley, SPUSD has earned a reputation for providing high quality public education, attracting families who value challenging academic programs and outstanding teachers. Consistently recognized for superior performance, SPUSD students earn honors at the local, state and national level.  The District draws vital support from parents and community members through the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, local PTAs and booster clubs.

For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, Office of the Superintendent, [email protected].