The Mission school board on Wednesday passed a resolution that acknowledges the district's operational problems and sets a timeline to address them. Superintendent Criselda "Cris" King told the board last month that spending has grown faster than income and that the district could drain its reserves and face a state takeover within three years if it does not act promptly.
King said declining enrollment is a key cause, though the district added employees even as the number of students in Mission decreased. The resolution projects an enrollment drop of about 20% over a decade and says payroll makes up about 80% of expenditures. The district has said campus closures and exit packages for employees are possible.
The resolution directs King to develop a plan, with a preliminary report next month, refined options in December and recommendations in January. The recommendations are to cover the 2027-2028 school year and any necessary transition period. Attorney Eden Ramirez Jr. told the board that decisions should be based on data. Some board members questioned why a formal resolution was needed.