Board hears first reading of 2025–26 budget; trustees flag health‑and‑welfare uncertainty and $600,000 threshold

Barstow Unified trustees received a first reading of the preliminary 2025–26 budget, with staff presenting a conservative approach that shifts funds toward salaries to cover step increases and potential bargaining settlements.

A district staff member said the budget presentation identified savings in some categories and moved some lines to travel and conference codes where appropriate. The presenter noted an apparent projected reduction in a health‑and‑welfare line but warned trustees that posted rates — typically released in March — could require adjustments.

Trustees pressed the staff about the health‑and‑welfare projection, with one trustee noting, "I've never seen health and benefits go down" and urging caution because those rates traditionally rise. The trustee warned that changes could push the district over a commonly referenced $600,000 threshold that trustees regard as significant.

Staff discussed possible strategies, including carrying funding for an unused half‑position or embedding partial funding (the presentation referenced approximately $25,000 as a potential allocation) and adjusting lines as final rate information becomes available. The item was a first reading; trustees said they expect further discussion and a final budget at the next meeting.