Willows Unified School District

This document is the 2025-26 Second Interim financial report, detailing the district's fiscal health. It indicates the district met and slightly exceeded the 10% Designation for Economic Uncertainty (DEU) requirement with a projected unrestricted ending fund balance of $2,836,150 (12.87%). While unrestricted revenues are stable, restricted revenues are declining, and deficit spending is projected through 2026-27. The report outlines anticipated modernization reimbursements totaling $6,031,627 for specific school projects, expected in Spring 2027 and Spring 2028, which are critical for maintaining fiscal solvency.

This document is a mid-year report monitoring the goals, actions, and resources of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for the 2025-26 school year. It outlines objectives across key areas including establishing a high-performing district culture with quality teaching and learning, ensuring all students have access to grade-level classes and college/career pathways with academic support, fostering student engagement through partnerships with parents and the community, and promoting CTE preparedness and academic success for Willows Community High School students. The report details progress on various metrics and expenditures related to these strategic priorities.

This document, the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) Implementation Plan Template, acts as a roadmap for schools within the Willows Unified School District. It outlines five core strategies: Shared Commitment, Centering Community-based Learning, Collaborative Leadership, Sustaining Staff and Resources, and Strategic Community Partnerships. The plan aims to guide the implementation of community school initiatives across multiple school sites, focusing on enhancing student well-being, improving academic achievement through project-based learning and CTE pathways, strengthening school climate and culture, and fostering robust community engagement and partnerships, while ensuring long-term sustainability of these efforts.

The Board Report covered several key areas related to district culture and student achievement, including efforts to ensure all students access grade-level classes and academic support for at-risk students. Operational updates noted a current student total of 442 and a chronic absenteeism rate of 11.8%, with electronic hallpass data being analyzed. Highlights included successful sports tournaments organized by an Assistant Principal, a positive review from a PLC Coach, and student shadowing observations involving district staff. FFA activities involving floral competitions and field days were also mentioned. A separate Winter Sports Board Report detailed the results of the Home Basketball Tournament and the Ed Zuckerman Classic wrestling tournament. It also announced the extension of David Milano's position as Football Coach and provided roster updates for Winter Sports. The School Farm/Barn Program update detailed the current livestock inventory (Pigs: 25, Sheep: 5, Goats: 8) and ongoing facility adjustments, including the installation of kickboards and waiting on water system repair parts. A Barn Duty Schedule was implemented to promote shared student accountability.

The Special Meeting focused on a single action item: the interview and subsequent appointment to the Willows Unified School District Governing Board. Following the interviews of three candidates, the Board voted to appoint Jered Shipley to the WUSD Board. The newly appointed member was subsequently sworn into office.