Drummond: Budget in place for opening new computer science charter school in Yorba Linda

A preliminary budget for the first year of operation of the Orange County School of Computer Science on the Bernardo Yorba Middle School campus has been approved by trustees of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District on a unanimous vote.

The budget for an estimated enrollment of 800 students lists revenues totaling a bit above $10.1 million, expenditures totaling nearly $7.7 million and reserves, fees and transfers totaling nearly $2.5 million. A total ending fund balance is listed as a negative $32,494.

Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Gary Stine reported to trustees that throughout the year, the trustees “will review and act upon proposed budget changes as they occur” and noted the staff will present formal interim reports in December and March.

Base and supplemental funding for sixth through eighth grades totals nearly $8.2 million, with about $2 million from other sources, including $186,000 in federal cash and $139,000 in state lottery funds.

Major expenditures are for staff salaries, benefits and pensions, totaling approximately $7.4 million.

Budgeted for equipment, materials and supplies is $215,000 and set aside for travel, conferences, dues, memberships, repairs and non-capital improvements is $35,000.

The $2.5 million in reserves, fees and transfers includes district office administrative services, facilities and maintenance shared costs, special education contribution, liability insurance and a 4% reserve for economic uncertainty.

The 800-student enrollment figure includes 153 sixth graders added to the original seventh and eighth grade number of 647 students. Average daily attendance is estimated at 608.18.

Also approved on a unanimous trustee vote was the districtwide budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, showing $247.5 million in revenues and $257 million in expenditures for a deficit short of $10 million.

One interesting aspect of this year’s budget is the enrollment projections. Stine told trustees the budget figures for enrollment are conservative estimates that maintain an estimated 400-student decline for the coming year and the next two years.

The budget enrollment number is 22,304 for the 2024-25 school year; 21,904 for the 2025-26 school year; and 21,504 for the 2026-27 school year, with a 94% attendance rate projected for each year.

But Stine noted that some recently instituted programs are anticipated to increase the projected enrollment numbers starting with the coming year that could have a positive impact on the deficit.

These include the computer science charter, the Universal Sports Institute and the preschools that are operating at several elementary school sites.

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Superintendent Alex Cherniss’ contract was extended one year to expire June 30, 2028, on a 3-2 trustee vote with Leandra Blades, Todd Frazier and Shawn Youngblood in favor and Marilyn Anderson and Carrie Buck opposed.

Jim Drummond is a longtime Yorba Linda resident. He gives his opinion on local issues weekly. Send e-mail to jimdrummond@hotmail.com.