At the September 8, 2026 Culver City Unified School District staff presented updated budget figures showing a $10 million surge in revenue.
Temporary Redevelopment Agency (RDA) money drives $6.2 million of that surge, but those funds expire in 2028. The remaining increase includes $4 million in state and federal funds, alongside a historic $1 million contribution from the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF).
While every school district in California has been squeezed in the last two budget cycles, CCUSD has some unique resources that have provided some short term support.
“[I ] am appreciative of how CCEF has stepped up in these difficult times,” said Board Member Andrew Lachman.
Those difficult times are felt inside classrooms due to last year’s elimination of 39 positions. district-wide. Furthermore, district workers have gone three consecutive years without a pay increase.
“With the cost and inflation, this is very, very difficult,” said Ray Long, the leader of the Culver City Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1343, and a social studies teacher at Culver City High School.
Assistant Superintendent Deo Persaud warned that future adjustments will be necessary as RDA funds are spent down. In response, Board Vice President Brian Guerrero urged the board to use restricted dollars first for eligible expenses to protect unrestricted reserves.
During public comment parents urged the board to use available reserves to prevent burnout. At Linwood E. Howe Elementary, Principal Casey Chabola runs daily operations and handles all IEPs alone, attending 162 meetings last year.
“Get the process started to post and fill the assistant position at Lin Howe,” said parent Kim Sadler.
Special education (SPED) costs remain a concern across the state, as they come up short and often force districts to draw from the General Funds. Presenting the inclusion plan budget under agenda item 13.2, Director of Special Education Randhir Bains assured the board that SPED bridge teachers will return to related services.
“With the shortage of resources, every single dollar, every single teacher is important,” Lachman said.
Arts and music programs face similar strain. Parent Sally Unsworth pointed out that restricted Proposition 28 arts funds must be deployed, noting a single middle school educator currently covers both band and orchestra with deteriorating equipment.
“Our middle school orchestra desperately needs dedicated staffing, now. ” Unsworth urged.
Board Member Lindsay Carlson was absent from the meeting.
Clara Carvalho
