NVUSD board hears unaudited FY25–26 results, affirms fiscal reserves amid declining enrollment

The Napa Valley Unified School District board on Thursday reviewed unaudited financial results for fiscal year 2025–26 and approved the district's report on a roll-call vote. Assistant Superintendent for Business Rob Minguella told the board the year closed with about $230,000,000 in revenues and expenses and a reserve percentage of roughly 10%, with an economic-uncertainty reserve near $30,000,000.

Minguella framed the presentation as an accounting of what happened compared with the budget adopted the prior year and said the district expects a ‘‘small deficit in the out years’’ while remaining balanced for the current year. "So as a reminder, we have a balanced budget in the current year. We're anticipating a small deficit in the out years," Minguella said.

Trustees used the unaudited presentation to underscore why the district is holding a declining-enrollment hearing required under new state guidance tied to one-time funds. Multiple trustees said transparency is important so the public understands what enrollment trends mean for district finances. One trustee praised the district's prior actions to address a structural deficit and noted the reserves enabled the district to provide staff raises the current year.

The board voted to approve the unaudited actuals (K1B) on a motion moved by Trustee Reiser and seconded by Trustee Martin. Next steps noted in the presentation include an AB 1200 item to appear on the Sept. 25 meeting agenda and a formal declining-enrollment hearing to be attached to the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) adoption next June.