District overview
Alameda Unified School District
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
What shapes Alameda Unified's budget?
AUSD receives state Local Control Funding Formula revenue, but its voter-approved Measure E parcel tax adds about $24 million per year. The local tax protects programs and salaries, while negotiated compensation growth, special-education costs, and the use of temporary funds create a widening structural deficit.
Measure E is a major operating source
The district says parcel-tax revenue is about 14% of general-fund revenue and supports about 16% of salary and benefit costs.
Recurring costs exceed recurring revenue
The March update projects annual unrestricted deficits above $12 million in 2026-27 and $14 million in 2027-28.
Temporary funds delay the pressure
The adopted plan uses reserves and one-time grants to keep the multiyear projection solvent through 2028-29, but leaves only $0.17 million unassigned that year.
School impact is uneven
District tables show site allocations depend on enrollment and student needs; separate School Site Councils decide how some local allocations support each school's achievement plan.
The district still recommends a positive near-term fiscal certification and maintains the state-required reserve. The warning is about the multiyear structure, not an immediate inability to pay bills.
Where the district stands
Flat in 2026-27, followed by projected declines.
Locally approved operating revenue through June 2034.
Before one-time balancing resources in the adopted budget.
After the adopted plan uses one-time resources.
Nine after 2026-27 and three after 2027-28.
Major projects
Long-term budget balancing
One-time bridge in place; recurring solution unresolvedThe district is using temporary resources while considering staffing alignment, program consolidation, and discretionary reductions to address recurring deficits.
- First interim warns of long-term deficit pressure
- Second interim quantifies reductions and program effects
- Board adopts a budget relying on one-time resources
Funding
General Fund, Measure E, reserves, and temporary state/county grants
The adopted projection reaches a negative unassigned balance in 2029-30 without further action.
Measure E parcel-tax transition
First full year under new combined measureMeasure E replaced two prior parcel taxes on July 1, 2025 without increasing the combined rate and continues local funding for staffing and programs.
- Measure E takes effect
- Oversight committee approves final legacy-measure reports
- Committee reviews Measure E second-interim results
Funding
Measure E parcel tax
Approximately $24 million annually; expires June 30, 2034.
This overview combines 31 district-hosted financial and oversight records with 18 official Novus agenda packets and two available approved-minute records, all reviewed for the trailing year.
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