Governing Board

District's Van Driver Pipeline Saves $720K by Bringing Special Ed Transport In-House

A new van driver program and driver training pipeline have enabled the district to transport students in-house instead of using costly third-party contracts, saving $720,000 this year alone.

Why it matters: Each outsourced special ed student costs roughly $3,000 per month; replacing even a handful of contracts with $1,300-per-month leased vans creates six-figure annual savings the district badly needs.

AUSD Enters Federal Disproportionality Watch as Special Ed Consumes Half of LCFF Revenue

With 19.3% of students in special education — well above the 12% state target — the district has entered significant disproportionality status for over-identifying African American students and faces nearly $100 million in annual special ed costs.

Why it matters: Federal SIGDIS status forces the district to reserve 15% of IDEA funds for intervention and restructure how it identifies and serves students, adding compliance demands atop a fiscal crisis that already requires $32 million in cuts.

Board Acknowledges $32M Budget Gap, Self-Certifies as Qualified to Signal Fiscal Crisis

Facing a $32 million structural deficit driven by expiring COVID funds, rising special education costs, and salary increases, the board voted to self-certify its second interim budget as qualified rather than positive.

Why it matters: Without identifying $32 million in ongoing reductions by May 2026, the district risks state receivership — a scenario that could strip local control for 20 or more years, as happened to nearby Plumas Unified.

Staff, Parents, and Union Warn Cuts to Behavior Support and Reading Teachers Will Harm Students

Behavior specialists, teachers, and union representatives delivered emotional testimony that eliminating support positions would devastate special education students and undermine school safety.

Why it matters: The public comment revealed the human cost of the $32 million reduction target — behavioral crisis teams that took four hours to de-escalate five students at one school would be eliminated entirely.

Culture, climate, and security

Suspensions decreased notably with restorative practices and alternatives to suspension; wellness rooms and safety protocols are in place. SR Global described 24/7 coverage and notable incidents including three firearms recovered since Jan 1.

SPSA carryover revisions

Sites presented and the Board approved carryover allocations for interventions, substitutes, technology, PBIS incentives, and attendance programs.

First Interim and fiscal outlook

Staff presented the First Interim Budget Report showing a projected unrestricted deficit and the need for approximately $14.7 million in budget adjustments. Attendance gains were highlighted as a key revenue lever (strive for 95).

CSEA pay and benefits agreement

The Board ratified a tentative agreement with CSEA including a 1.5% salary increase effective Jan 1, 2026 and continued 100% paid medical and dental through Dec 2028, plus related committees.