Fiscal Stabilization Plan
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- Message from Supt. Jerry Almendarez
- SAUSD's Budget Receives Positive Budget Certification
- Response to the Santa Ana Unified Community Regarding Certificated Staff Reductions
- Video: Orange County Department of Education Budget Presentation Jan. 2025
- Video: SAUSD Budget Discussion Series – Episode 1
- Video: SAUSD Budget Discussion Series – Episode 2
- Early Retirement Incentive Extended for Certificated Staff
Message from Supt. Jerry Almendarez
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Click here to watch Superintendent Almendarez's message in Spanish,
and click here to read his letter in Spanish.
Santa Ana Unified School District
Jan. 21, 2025Dear SAUSD Staff,
I am writing to provide an update on our district’s financial situation and the steps we are taking to address the challenges ahead. Transparency and early communication are critical, particularly when these challenges may affect our team members.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our district, like many others, has benefited from temporary federal and state relief funds that allowed us to stabilize operations and prioritize student well-being. These funds enabled us to achieve remarkable milestones, such as an unprecedented counselor-to-student ratio and expanded mental health services. However, these resources were always intended as temporary, and now we must navigate their cessation while managing the ongoing decline in student enrollment.
Knowing these challenges were coming, we have proactively engaged district partners—including staff, union leadership, and community members—in budget discussions over the past three years. This collaborative approach has helped us implement key initiatives, gather valuable feedback, and prepare for the financial realities we now face.
Santa Ana Unified is not alone in facing these challenges. Across California, school districts are grappling with the expiration of COVID-relief grants, forcing difficult but necessary decisions. Declining enrollment and increasing operational costs require us to right-size staffing and reallocate resources to ensure our district's long-term sustainability.
We are committed to managing these transitions thoughtfully and transparently. This includes:
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Timely Communication: Sharing this message early ensures that those impacted have the time to make informed decisions and take action.
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Student Well-being: We remain committed to student support by expanding programs such as the School-Based Mental Health Specialist initiative and strengthening partnerships with local providers.
We understand that these changes bring uncertainty and concern. We also know the strength of the SAUSD community, which has consistently risen to meet challenges with resilience and collaboration. Together, we will face this moment with the care and determination that defines our district.
Thank you for your dedication to our students and for your understanding as we navigate this transition. If you have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will continue to provide updates and maintain open lines of communication throughout this process.
Sincerely,
Jerry Almendarez
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