District finance director presents first interim: ADA estimate, revenue uptick and 79% salary/benefits share draw scrutiny

Rosamond — The Southern Kern Unified business office presented the district’s first interim financial report covering actuals from July 1 through Oct. 31 and projections for the remainder of the year.

Finance lead Mister Ervin said the district is using current estimates for enrollment and attendance and is projecting average daily attendance at about 3,081. He noted revenue increases tied to property tax updates and said federal revenues were left flat in projections because of uncertainty around federal program continuity.

Ervin reported that salary and benefits make up about 79 percent of district expenditures. "Salary and benefits make up about 79 percent of budget," he said, a share that prompted trustees to flag the figure as a concern during discussion about long‑term sustainability and reserve levels.

The report included multi‑year projections, assumptions about cost‑of‑living adjustments and noted the final state facility funds and capital projects timeline for West Park and other modernization work. Trustees asked for follow‑up details on personnel vacancies and the calculation behind the salary‑and‑benefits percentage. The board moved and approved the interim report for filing.