The Orange Unified School District (OUSD) is now facing significant financial distress due to recent decisions made by the newly elected board majority. Within days of assuming office, this board majority—backed by the teachers’ union and certain board trustees—implemented decisions that have pushed the district towards financial instability. To give an overview, the board enacted a substantial raise (almost 10%) for teachers that will drive OUSD into a precarious fiscal situation within the next two years, according to the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services.
In a letter to the office of the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent stated:
“I have been meeting with our fiscal team as well as staff at the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE). Based on what I have learned, it appears that the adopted budget in June did not fully account for the ongoing costs of the raises. While the District has a healthy reserve and is projected to meet its fiscal obligations for the current year and next two subsequent years, updating the budget projections to reflect the cost of the raises appears to require that some of the reserves will need to be used to meet our obligations. In other words, it appears that we are deficit spending - spending more money than we are receiving."
This statement indicates that OUSD must now draw from emergency reserves to cover ongoing teacher salaries. Reserves are typically intended for one-time expenses or emergencies - not for recurring obligations like salaries. By relying on reserves, the district risks depleting funds that should be preserved for unforeseen needs."
One particularly concerning phrase from the letter reads, “our substantial reserves allow time to correct the situation and bring our current spending back in line with current revenues.” This suggests that unless significant adjustments are made, OUSD will need to make difficult financial decisions, likely resulting in budget cuts, staffing reductions, layoffs, and the removal of critical resources from classrooms.
To gain further perspective, I reached out to former OUSD President Rick Ledesma for his views on the board’s recent decisions. Ledesma expressed concern over the board’s approach, emphasizing that their fiscal strategy jeopardizes the district’s financial health.
Declining Educational Standards and Concerns from the Community Former Trustee, Madison Miner, expressed her dismay over the direction of the district under the current board. She stated:
“As a conservative parent, taxpayer, and homeowner in this district, I’m deeply concerned about the direction our schools are heading. We recently approved nearly a 10% raise for teachers, recognizing their hard work and commitment to educating our children. But, despite this investment, our students’ test scores are declining. Standards have been lowered, the curriculum has been simplified to the point of inadequacy, and parental rights seem to be slipping away. We need accountability and a return to a curriculum that truly challenges our students, upholds high standards, and respects parental input."
Miner’s statement highlights a troubling pattern seen in many districts nationwide: while teacher raises may be justified, they must also be aligned with educational outcomes. In OUSD, test scores have shown a flat line, suggesting that investments are not translating into academic improvement. According to the California Department of Education, overall proficiency in math and reading has dropped, a trend mirrored across many California schools.
While the initial goal of the board’s reorganization was to increase transparency and accountability, recent actions have instead raised concerns about transparency. Attorney Alex Brushaw, a prominent supporter of the board's reorganization, publicly criticized the board's lack of communication and the ways they have obscured the decision-making processes. This was in regards to financial cover ups, such as hiding potential lease contract terminations that have taken away even more money from the district.
As residents of this district, it’s essential to understand the gravity of these issues. After the recall, few community members contested open seats on the Board of Education, resulting in unchecked power. When board members make substantial financial decisions without sufficient oversight, it can jeopardize the district's stability, affecting students, parents, and stakeholders.
If this new board majority’s actions do not align with your values for OUSD, consider running for office or supporting candidates who prioritize financial stability, educational excellence, and transparency. Ensuring that our district’s future is secure starts with proactive, informed community involvement.
-Frank Rodriguez, MAOL
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