Hello Everyone - I just wanted to update you on the latest efforts. I just sent the following email to all the Trustees. Please feel free to use the message below to email them as well.
As a concerned member of the MHUSD community, I am writing to request the following in response to the 3-19-24 Board special session on Budget. This is in addition to the requests outlined in our joint petition (link here).
Reviewing the Zoom minutes of 3/19 board meeting (link here and also uploaded on YouTube link here), the following are respectfully our requests:
1. Minute 2:54:16 Assistant Superintendent Timboe has informed the board that a list of all MHUSD contracts is provided monthly. This information is also available to the public, covering every contract where district funds are allocated.
1.a. We would like to have this list.
2. Minute 2:54:31 the category on the “Multi Year Projections” called “Other Operating Expenditures” according to Ms Timboe “[its] a catch all for everything we do that’s not salary or benefit related or a consumable supply. Contract for service and utilities are included.”
2.a. We request an itemized list of this Other Operating Expenditures category.
3. “Other Operating Expenditures” category was reduced by 2.81% from 2024-2025 to 2025-2026. However, “Certified Salaries” is reduced by 8.3% for the same period.
3.a. We ask for a comprehensive impact assessment to our students that compares higher reduction (8.6%) of Certified Salaries vs Other Operating Expenditures reduction (2.81%).
4. Minute 2:58:26 Ms Timboe states “13% PG&E rate increase” that’s part of the “Other Operating Expenditures” category.
4.a. We would like to understand the analysis and decision-making process behind not utilizing one-time Covid funds for energy independence projects across all schools. These projects could include initiatives such as solar panels, fuel cells, and batteries. Our goal is to achieve a return on investment and address escalating expenses, including rising PG&E rates.
5. Based on the district's fiscal projection, the year 2026-2027 is anticipated to experience budget reductions of at least 9.5 million dollars. Ms. Timboe asserts that this trajectory could lead us toward a state of complete collapse. (minute 3:03:54 to 3:04:05).
5.a. We ask for more than just hope to address this crisis. As Ms Timboe noted “hope is not a strategy” (minute 3:00:42) even though she mentions we hope to address the crisis in 2026-2027 with higher revenue (minute 3:04:51). Beyond relying solely on hope and implementing cuts that directly impact our students, we are respectfully requesting a comprehensive range of options from the board and the district.
6. Minute 3:06:42 Ms. Timboe underscores the significance of the board’s approval for the budget plan. While acknowledging that MHUSD has already submitted the plan to the county office of education, she also emphasizes the board’s authority to disapprove it.
6.a. We request that the board refrain from approving the proposed plan (that’s already been submitted to the County Office of Education) until a comprehensive impact analysis of the proposed cuts is provided to the community. Additionally, we urge you to share a complete list of alternative solutions. These alternatives should include a review of high earners’ compensation adjustments and consideration of the opportunities proposed by Dr. Montes during the meeting at minute 4:30:33 to 4:36:10