Banning USD Regular Board Meeting, March 11, 2026

The Banning Unified School District held its regular board meeting on March 11, 2026. The meeting included presentations on school achievements, student activities, and updates on special education and curriculum initiatives. Significant procurement-related discussions focused on the district's transportation services, including approval of the 2026-27 annual transportation plan. The plan highlighted challenges such as a 25% vacancy rate among bus drivers, aging bus infrastructure, and efforts to replace diesel buses with six new electric buses funded by a $4.1 million grant at no cost to the district. The board discussed concerns about electric vehicle infrastructure and energy sustainability. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved the second interim financial report for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which showed stable enrollment projections and a positive certification of the district's financial status. Questions were raised about expenditures, including purchases for athletics uniforms and educational field trips. The board approved monthly fiscal reports and discussed strategies to improve transportation efficiency and field trip scheduling amid staffing shortages.