The Sacramento City Unified School District continues to work on developing a plan to tackle what it calls a historic structural deficit.As KCRA 3 has previously reported, the budget shortfall is in the neighborhood of $134 million.On Thursday night at the school board meeting, members of the district’s cabinet gave a presentation with an update on the fiscal solvency plan.Members of the cabinet said there are key drivers of the deficit the district is dealing with which include — but are not limited to — declines in student enrollment in recent years, compensation consideration/current labor contracts, and commitments to remain compliant with special education program guidelines.Cabinet members outlined proposals to correct the current revenue trajectory which include the following:A targeted approach for improving average daily attendance.Addressing enrollment retention so SCUSD students aren’t lost to charter schools, private schools, or other school districts.Strategic facilities consolidation.The district office cabinet also made a presentation of five distinct scenarios to move forward.It said that the extensive, data-driven plans were analyzed and put forth. The scenarios range from “the status quo” to a plan with “reductions so deep they’d jeopardize legal compliance.”The fifth plan presented, called Scenario E, is deemed by the district to be the “responsible path.”Scenario E is a plan the budget team acknowledges will result in cuts to staff.”Before we move into board discussions we want to pause and speak directly to the human reality of this plan. We are acutely aware that these aren’t just FTEs on a chart. They are colleagues whose livelihoods are being impacted and whose contributions have shaped our district,” explained Erin Findley, Sacramento City Unified School District Interim Chief Academic Officer. “We feel the weight of this loss both in terms of the services we provide and the professional community we have built together. We also want to express our profound gratitude for our staff.”Thursday’s board meeting ended just before midnight, and although there was a platform for it, no members of the public came forward to register their comments about the fiscal solvency plan.Members of the board offered feedback about the scenarios presented with many agreeing that the plan the cabinet recommended (Scenario E) seemed to be the best path toward addressing the district’s budget crisis.No vote or action was taken after the district cabinet’s presentation. Per the board meeting agenda, Item 11.1 was marked “information item only.” The cabinet was tasked with providing fiscal solvency plan updates and recommendations only.Earlier in the evening in closed session, the board announced that a new superintendent will be at the helm of the district as it copes with budgetary headwinds.Cancy McArn was officially named as the new superintendent for the Sacramento City Unified School District.McArn has been serving as interim superintendent since February and she’s been employed by the district for over the past three decades, having started her career in education as a teacher at Bear Flag and Washington elementary schools.Following the announcement of her appointment by the board in open session, McArn spoke about her new role, acknowledging the district’s budget issues and the need for a strong fiscal solvency plan.”Over the past several months our district has faced significant challenges. Challenges that have required grit, resilience, and an unwavering focus on protecting our schools, our students, and our community,” McArn said. “During this time, I will continue, as I have tried very hard to diligently work alongside many of you, to navigate the uncertainty while keeping our mission at the center of every decision.”The next school board meeting is set for May 7 at 6:15 p.m. at Serna Center, located at 5735 47th Avenue in Sacramento.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The Sacramento City Unified School District continues to work on developing a plan to tackle what it calls a historic structural deficit.
As KCRA 3 has previously reported, the budget shortfall is in the neighborhood of $134 million.
On Thursday night at the school board meeting, members of the district’s cabinet gave a presentation with an update on the fiscal solvency plan.
Members of the cabinet said there are key drivers of the deficit the district is dealing with which include — but are not limited to — declines in student enrollment in recent years, compensation consideration/current labor contracts, and commitments to remain compliant with special education program guidelines.
Cabinet members outlined proposals to correct the current revenue trajectory which include the following:
A targeted approach for improving average daily attendance.Addressing enrollment retention so SCUSD students aren’t lost to charter schools, private schools, or other school districts.Strategic facilities consolidation.
The district office cabinet also made a presentation of five distinct scenarios to move forward.
It said that the extensive, data-driven plans were analyzed and put forth. The scenarios range from “the status quo” to a plan with “reductions so deep they’d jeopardize legal compliance.”
The fifth plan presented, called Scenario E, is deemed by the district to be the “responsible path.”
Scenario E is a plan the budget team acknowledges will result in cuts to staff.
“Before we move into board discussions we want to pause and speak directly to the human reality of this plan. We are acutely aware that these aren’t just FTEs on a chart. They are colleagues whose livelihoods are being impacted and whose contributions have shaped our district,” explained Erin Findley, Sacramento City Unified School District Interim Chief Academic Officer. “We feel the weight of this loss both in terms of the services we provide and the professional community we have built together. We also want to express our profound gratitude for our staff.”
Thursday’s board meeting ended just before midnight, and although there was a platform for it, no members of the public came forward to register their comments about the fiscal solvency plan.
Members of the board offered feedback about the scenarios presented with many agreeing that the plan the cabinet recommended (Scenario E) seemed to be the best path toward addressing the district’s budget crisis.
No vote or action was taken after the district cabinet’s presentation. Per the board meeting agenda, Item 11.1 was marked “information item only.” The cabinet was tasked with providing fiscal solvency plan updates and recommendations only.
Earlier in the evening in closed session, the board announced that a new superintendent will be at the helm of the district as it copes with budgetary headwinds.
Cancy McArn was officially named as the new superintendent for the Sacramento City Unified School District.
McArn has been serving as interim superintendent since February and she’s been employed by the district for over the past three decades, having started her career in education as a teacher at Bear Flag and Washington elementary schools.
Following the announcement of her appointment by the board in open session, McArn spoke about her new role, acknowledging the district’s budget issues and the need for a strong fiscal solvency plan.
“Over the past several months our district has faced significant challenges. Challenges that have required grit, resilience, and an unwavering focus on protecting our schools, our students, and our community,” McArn said. “During this time, I will continue, as I have tried very hard to diligently work alongside many of you, to navigate the uncertainty while keeping our mission at the center of every decision.”
The next school board meeting is set for May 7 at 6:15 p.m. at Serna Center, located at 5735 47th Avenue in Sacramento.