Development News for Colton, California

Colton Joint Unified School District Unveils 2026-27 LCAP with $83 Million Budget and Equity Focus

The Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) presented its proposed Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for 2026-27, detailing funding allocations and program successes. The LCAP budget is approximately $83 million, with an additional $1.3 million in equity multiplier funds. The plan emphasizes equitable services, student achievement, school climate, and family/community engagement. Specific funding is allocated to English learner support, AVID, field trips, CTE, visual and performing arts, TOA and support for TOA work, summer school, library materials, GATE, technology, science fairs, PBIS, counseling, nurses, health assistants, transportation, parent workshops, and community liaisons. The district also highlighted the performance of equity multiplier schools, including Silver Mountain High School, Washington High School, Wilson Elementary, and Cooley Ranch, detailing their focused initiatives and funding uses. The presentation also touched upon the learning recovery emergency block grant, focusing on counseling, mental health support, credit recovery, and tier one instruction.

Jared Baca Honored for 10 Years of Service, Transitioning from Nutrition Services to CTE Teaching

Jared Baca was recognized for 10 years of dedicated service to the district. He began his career with CJUSD in Nutrition Services for six years before transitioning to education as a CTE Business Teacher at Bloomington High School four years ago. Baca expressed his commitment to serving students and the community, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy. He transitioned from serving meals to teaching business and personal finance, viewing it as one of the most important classes for students. Baca thanked his family for their support and indicated that his first 10 years are just the beginning of his contributions.

Colton Joint Unified School District Approves Employment Agreements for Key Leadership Positions

The board approved employment agreement amendments for several key district leadership positions. This included the Fifth Amendment for Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda, extending his term through June 30, 2027, with an annual salary of $332,622 and a 2.5% annual increase. Gregory Frum, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, received a First Amendment to his employment agreement, with a term through June 30, 2027, and an annual salary of $260,985. Dr. Peterson, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, received a Third Amendment, also with a term through June 30, 2027, and an annual salary of $260,985. Brandon Dade, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, received a First Amendment, with a term through June 30, 2028, and an annual salary of $260,985. Lastly, Dr. Anthony Ortiz, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, received a First Amendment, with a term through June 30, 2028, and an annual salary of $254,619. All agreements include provisions for district-provided vehicles, health insurance, sick leave, and, in some cases, retiree health benefits and 403B plan contributions.

Colton Joint Unified School District Proposes 2026-27 Budget Amidst Declining Enrollment

The Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) presented its proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27. The budget process began in December and will culminate in adoption in two weeks. Key financial indicators include an estimated enrollment of 17,830 students and a P2 ADA of 16,692. The Governor's May Revise projects a statutory COLA increase to 2.87%, augmented by an additional 1.44% for a total of 4.31%, funded in part by mandated paid pregnancy disability leave. The projected LCFF funding for 2026-27 is $294,025,114, with base funding at $210 million and supplemental/concentration funding at $84 million. The district anticipates declining enrollment through 2030-31, with corresponding ADA projections. The budget includes a potential $15 million+ student support professional development block grant, with uses including professional development, teacher recruitment, career pathways, or rising operational costs. Multi-year projections show declining fund balances, ending at $16 million in 2028-29, all above the required 3% reserve. Expenditures for certificated salaries, classified salaries, and healthcare benefits are increasing, while enrollment is decreasing. Next steps include budget adoption on June 18th, potential revisions after the state budget is signed, and unaudited actuals in September. Board members discussed the implications of declining enrollment and the need for right-sizing the district.