MUSD’s Strong Financial Management Ensures Stability for Schools and Staff
(Moorpark, California) March 13, 2025—Despite facing economic challenges similar to those of school districts across California, the Moorpark Unified School District remains fiscally strong and continues to operate without the need to implement layoffs, thanks to strategic budget planning and careful financial management.
The MUSD Board of Education voted 5-0 during its March 11 meeting to approve the district’s 2024-2025 second interim report following a presentation by Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Juan Pablo Herrera.
The report, which covers the period from July 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025, provides an updated financial outlook for the district and affirms that MUSD is on track to meet its financial obligations for the current and subsequent two fiscal years.
Though MUSD faces fiscal pressures from declining enrollment and the expiration of one-time COVID-19 relief funds—challenges affecting many school districts across the state—the district’s proactive approach to staffing and budget adjustments has ensured stability.
MUSD has carefully adjusted staffing levels in response to enrollment trends while maintaining a high standard of educational services.
“Moorpark Unified’s commitment to sound financial planning and right-sizing our staffing levels has positioned us well, even as we navigate economic uncertainties,” Herrera said. “Our ability to maintain financial stability while continuing to invest in student learning, staff support, and critical programs reflects the district’s long-term planning efforts.”
Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hays emphasized the district’s proactive approach to financial management, noting the importance of collaboration across departments and school sites.
“Maintaining fiscal stability is a team effort that requires constant communication and careful planning,” Dr. Hays said. “Because we have remained financially responsible, our schools have been able to retain talented staff, providing students with consistency in the classroom. That stability fosters trust among educators, students and families and ultimately leads to better learning outcomes.”
According to the second interim report, MUSD’s General Fund expenditures exceed projected revenues by approximately $7.7 million. This, however, is a planned shortfall as the district strategically uses its fund balance to sustain priority programs and phase out one-time restricted funds responsibly.
The district has a plan in place to use restricted one-time dollars to cover the variance, ensuring fiscal responsibility while addressing student needs.
One of the primary drivers of increased expenditures has been the cost of contracted special education services, as the district has encountered staffing shortages for special education teachers and paraprofessionals.
MUSD has taken steps to address these staffing gaps, including transitioning positions back in-house, evaluating alternative service providers and conducting efficiency studies to improve special education services. Despite these cost increases, the district has not had to rely on deficit spending beyond what was planned for the year and has maintained its required reserve levels.
The district’s second interim report includes multi-year projections that anticipate continued financial stability. MUSD’s 2024-2025 budget includes a 1.07% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), with projected increases of 2.43% for 2025-2026 and 3.52% for 2026-2027. The district’s fund balance remains sufficient to cover economic uncertainties and ongoing program commitments.
MUSD continues to monitor enrollment trends and the state’s economic outlook while maintaining a commitment to high-quality education for all students.
The district’s approach to financial planning emphasizes sustainability, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to support academic excellence and student success.
“As a district, we recognize the economic challenges that lie ahead for schools across the state, and we will continue to plan accordingly,” Superintendent Hays said. “Our commitment remains steadfast—we will always make decisions with the best interests of our students in mind. Every day, we work to ensure that our schools are places where children receive the high-quality education they deserve, supported by a caring and dedicated staff.”