Cartwright board adopts revised FY26–27 budget after enrollment shortfall and new state supplements

The Cartwright School District governing board on Sept. 18 approved Revision 1 of the FY26–27 annual expenditure budget following a public hearing and staff presentation.

Dr. Etheridge told the board the district’s average daily membership (ADM) is closer to about 10,700—about 350 fewer than the June adopted assumption and roughly 900 fewer than last year—producing an estimated $2.2 million reduction tied to enrollment. He said newer elements of the state budget now enacted (including a 2% increase to the base support level and two one-time supplements) add roughly $800,000 in state aid and about $950,000 for free-and-reduced-price-lunch supplements, offsetting much of the decline. "The actual average daily membership is closer to about 10,700," Dr. Etheridge said during the presentation.

Board members asked detailed questions about fund restrictions, carryover and procurement. Dr. Etheridge emphasized that federal and categorical funds are restricted ("supplement, not supplant") and that a larger-than-anticipated carryforward—closer to $18.6 million rather than the $13 million projected in June—gave the district room to maintain a balanced budget while funding priorities.

The board adopted the revision in a roll-call vote. Votes recorded in the hearing transcript show board members Denise Garcia, Rosa Cantu, Teresa Tapia, Jennifer Romero and President Linda Hernandez voting in favor.

The district said it will continue reporting updated carryforward and expenditure details to the board; the revision is procedural: it incorporates state actions since June and preserves the district’s budgetary balance. The board will receive further operational reports as staff implements the adjusted plan and monitors ADM and cash-flow risk.