Sonoma trustees approve 2021-22 school budget

Teachers union lobbied for 7 percent raise, settled for 5.5 percent|
KATE WILLIAMS
INDEX-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

In its last meeting of the 2020-21 academic school year, the Sonoma Valley Unified School District’s Board of Trustees approved by unanimous vote a one-year agreement granting a 5.5 percent salary increase to the Valley of the Moon Teachers Association (VMTA), as well as a one-time “COVID hazard pay” stipend of $2,500 to be paid out to teachers in August.

VMTA had hoped for a three-year agreement allowing annual raises of 7 percent, which would have brought SVUSD’s teacher salary schedule closer to the state average. The one-year agreement was struck through collective bargaining measures, a process that district employees praised as harmonious. “It was an exceptionally collaborative agreement,” said Andrew Ryan, director of human resources.

Joshua Braff, chief business official, agreed, adding, “It was my first collective bargaining agreement, and VMTA made it alright.”

Trustees also approved adoption of the 2021-22 budget, predicting total revenue in the General Fund operating budget at $67.7 million, a figure that included an unexpected increase of $850,000 from redevelopment agency funds. Retirements and terminations resulted in an additional gain of $300,000 in salary assumptions, and a reduction of benefit assumptions of about $75,000.

Total expenses for the budget approved 5-0 by the board will be $65.9 million for the coming school year, and associate superintendent of business services, Bruce Abbott, reported that projections indicate the district will be operating with positive reserves three and five years out.

Trustees also approved $14.6 million in special COVID funding from the state through 2024, approximately $10 million of which will be available on July 1. Specific information on how those funds will be allocated has not yet been determined or announced by the district.

The board adjourned for the summer after a little more than three hours in session and is scheduled to reconvene in person for the first time post-COVID on Tuesday, Aug. 17. The first day of school for district students is Monday, August 16.

<strong id="strong-5456bd6d32d35cde0c74195f31c58095">SVUSD BOARD RECAP: JUNE 22</strong>

DEMOGRAPHICS: Davis Demographics presented data projecting a continued decline in kindergarten enrollment, based on falling birth rates in Sonoma Valley. Housing starts were also predictive of declining enrollment, as was data on the migration of families in and out of the area. A representative for Davis Demographics said that while declines are certain for SVUSD, the rate of decline for the next seven years may be slightly less aggressive than the declines of the past three. Regardless, realignment of district operations was an assumed eventuality. “We’re going to be looking at realignment sooner rather than later,” said Trustee John Kelly.

NEWS, NOTES AND VOTES: A new reporting tool was announced by superintendent Adrian Palazuelos to keep vested parties apprised of Board business. “News, Notes and Votes” will summarize the outcomes of monthly board meetings, and be posted within 24 hours of meeting adjournment.

BOARD MEETING LOCATION DETERMINED: Beginning in August, trustees will hold their monthly meetings in person at the school district offices on Railroad Avenue, rather than at the community meeting room at the Sonoma police station.

BOND UPDATE: The cost of issuing the $30 million facilities bond was lowered to $309,025, thanks to lower interest rates and district management of the debt.

Contact Kate Williams at kate.williams@sonomanews.com

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