Charter Oak USD Meeting Board of Trustees - January 22nd, 2026

The Charter Oak Unified School District Board of Trustees held a meeting on January 22, 2026, focusing heavily on budgetary and staffing issues amid fiscal challenges. The board discussed the expiration of one-time state funds and the resulting need for budget reductions, including proposed cuts to district administration, behavior analyst programs, and elementary intervention specialists. The district is facing declining enrollment and increased operational costs, prompting a budget stabilization plan that includes natural attrition and reductions in force, with notifications to impacted employees planned by March 15. The board also reviewed facilities needs, highlighting aging infrastructure and the potential for a local funding measure to support school improvements. Additionally, the board approved a collective bargaining agreement with the California School Employees Association and pulled an item related to solar facility contracts for future consideration. Public comments from educators emphasized concerns about the negative impact of cutting reading intervention and behavioral support positions on student outcomes.