MUSD adopts budget and LCAP while concerns over school closures and transparency persist
The Morongo Unified School District Board of Education approved its budget and Local Control Accountability Plan on Tuesday night, while community members continued to raise concerns about district spending, transparency, and the long-term future of local schools.
The Morongo Unified School District Board approved several key items ahead of the upcoming school year, including the district’s budget, the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), and a three-year agreement with the Morongo Teachers Association.
The board also approved salary schedules for teachers, management employees, and district administrators. Teacher salaries increased by 4% in 2025-26, 2% in 2026-27, and just over 3% in 2027-28.
Several votes were not unanimous. Board President Christopher Claire cast dissenting votes on several compensation-related items, including the extension of Superintendent Dr. Patricio Vargas’ contract through 2030.
Claire and Trustee Missy Bond also voted against salary schedules for the superintendent and assistant superintendents.
Although school closures were not on the agenda, the issue remained front and center during public comments.
Community members questioned the district’s spending priorities, transparency, and revisions to Board Bylaw 9200. Some speakers said they feared the changes could make it more difficult to raise concerns directly with district leadership.
Kaylee Neiman urged district leaders to expand opportunities for public participation.
“We were hoping for more parent calls, perhaps a parent task force, perhaps a student representative on the board, like they do in LAUSD. Let’s do the opposite and open communication with our community,” Nieman said.
Several speakers also asked the district to continue investing in campuses previously considered for closure, including long-promised Measure C projects such as shade structures and public address systems.
Board members responded that no authority is being taken away from elected trustees and said the bylaw revisions are intended to clarify existing governance procedures.
The district’s first day of school is August 10.
