On Tuesday, January 23, Alameda’s Board of Education met with an agenda that included an updated Report on Budget Priorities, Challenges, and Constraints for 2024 and Beyond; the Parcel Tax Program Annual Report for 2022-2023; and an enrollment update on Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOP). The consent calendar included approval of the Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) 2026-2027 school year calendar.
Governor’s proposed budget
The most critical item on the agenda was the report from Chief Business Officer Shariq Khan on the governor’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. The State of California has reduced its projected budget deficit by $30 billion to $38.7 billion. Governor Newson’s proposed budget will maintain current levels of kindergarten to 12th grade funding by using rainy day funds to supplement the 2024-2025 school year. The cost-of-living increase will be less than 1%. However, changes could occur in the final budget after spring negotiations with the legislators.
Khan reported that school absenteeism increased from 5% to 6%. Since schools are funded based on Average Daily Attendance—students attending, not just enrolled—this decrease translates to a loss of $1 million in funding. The move to remote learning precipitated by the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020 increased absenteeism across the state. AUSD closed schools to in-person instruction in March 2020 and did not fully reopen schools until August 2021, one of the longest closures in the nation.
Parcel tax
The Parcel Tax Program report was presented by Susan Davis, Senior Manager, Community Affairs. This is the same parcel tax—Measure E—that is on the March 5, 2024 primary election ballot for combination and renewal of Measures A and B1. The funds were spent in accordance with the current measures and generate $24 million, 20% of the district’s budget. The funds are spent to attract and retain high-quality teachers by maintaining competitive salaries and by keeping neighborhood schools, small class sizes, high school sports, enrichment programs, and advanced courses. The staff report is available online [PDF].
Claudia Medina, Coordinator for ELOP and ASES Programs, provided a report on the state-mandated Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, which provides funding (through partners) for after-school, summer school, and intersession enrichment programs for transitional kindergarten through sixth grade students. With additional state funding, AUSD has doubled enrollment to 869 students and has launched nine new school sites. Most students are kindergarteners or transitional kindergarteners. A parent survey showed that parents are most satisfied with the Maya Lin music program and least satisfied with Right at School (RAS). The school board acknowledged some bumps getting this new program underway.
Joyce Boyd is a Certified Public Accountant, Alameda resident, and parent of an AUSD student. She is on the Parcel Tax Oversight Committee. Boyd is a PTA board member, a prior PTA Council board member, and school site council member. Reach her at [email protected].
