Karen Grandoli

This School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for Lillian Larsen Elementary School outlines a strategic roadmap to increase student achievement by optimizing resources and aligning with the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). The plan focuses on enhancing instruction in Science of Reading and Early Literacy, implementing Positive Behaviors for Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Restorative Practices with Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and improving English Learner (EL) strategies to boost reclassification rates. Overall, the plan aims to ensure academic excellence, foster student engagement through diverse programs and activities, and cultivate a safe, welcoming, and supportive community that provides social-emotional and mental health services, as well as parent education. The strategic pillars include Academic Performance, Academic Engagement, and Conditions & Climate.

This document outlines Lillian Larsen Elementary's Community School Implementation Plan, serving as a roadmap for a community school initiative. The plan is structured around five core strategies: shared commitment and understanding, centering community-based learning, collaborative leadership, sustaining staff and resources, and strategic community partnerships. It aims to foster a racially-just, relationship-centered environment, empower shared decision-making, build classroom-community connections, and promote continuous improvement. Key goals include enhancing parent and family engagement, improving integrated student support and academic outcomes (with a focus on English Learners), establishing a positive and restorative school climate including a Wellness Center, and developing robust community partnerships to achieve its vision of students and families becoming lifelong learners who positively contribute to their communities.

Key discussions included reviewing financial reports, which showed a current balance of $30,032.10. Committee reports covered the 'Original Works' supply waiting period and the scheduling of 'PennyWars' as a replacement fundraiser. Unfinished business involved postponing the vote on amended bylaws and approving the purchase of a shed for up to $6,000. New business saw a motion pass to transition bank accounts due to new ownership, and the formation of a committee to address library refurbishment needs. The council also approved funding for two assemblies (ZootoYou and Science) and allocated $250 per teacher for classroom funds for the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, funding was approved for Middle School Student Council dance film costs, and two previous requests for donations were rescinded.

The annual budget report for 2025-26 was prepared for the Board's review and approval, consisting of estimated revenues and expenditures based on reasonable assumptions and recent information available from the Governor's May Revise. The budget reflects the district's ability to meet its financial obligations for 2025-26 and the subsequent two fiscal years, dependent on the level of actual Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) state funding and enrollment/ADA. The budget includes adjustments to the 2024-25 mandatory Proposition 98 Rainy Day fund deposit, cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), suspension of State Preschool Program COLA for 2025-26, deferral of LCFF funding, and funding for universal transitional kindergarten (TK).

The budget adoption report includes discussion on SMJUSD revenue, revised budget, MYP assumptions, multi-year projections, and key takeaways. It covers revenue sources such as LCFF revenue, supplemental grants, concentration grants, and base grants. Key budget development assumptions for expenditures, materials, supplies, and operating costs are outlined, applying zero-based budgeting principles. The unrestricted and restricted general fund revenues and expenditures are detailed, along with multi-year projections and assumptions for 2026-27 and 2027-28, including projected ADA, COLA, employer rates, and estimated revenue reductions. The report also addresses the reduction of COLA, the avoidance of cuts to ongoing education programs, potential state budget shortfalls, and the expiration of one-time funding sources.