The Denair Unified School District Board of Trustees heard the Second Interim Budget Report for the 2025-26 school year, which detailed the overall strength and financial health of the district as of Jan. 31.

“There are big and unique things that are happening at each of our district sites that are contributing to these positive numbers,” said DUSD’s Chief Business Official Daisy Swearingen, who delivered the report.

During Thursday’s meeting, the district projected that it will end the current school year with a positive cash balance of nearly $4.2 million. The report comes on the heels of the board’s recent action to approve a 4.3 percent pay hike and a $1,000 increase to the health benefit cap for school employees. Meanwhile, campus renovation projects are underway thanks to funds secured through local bond measures.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for a district that was on the cusp of insolvency just over a decade ago.

“We’ve gone from nothing but worry to nothing but pride,” said trustee Ray Prock Jr. 

Swearingen did caution that enrollment trends, inflationary pressures, and a projected $22 billion deficit in state education spending for the 2027-28 fiscal year could impact local financial projections.

“We’re in a good financial position, and we’ve strategically spent one-time dollars on one-time expenses,” said Swearingen. “It’s typical for districts to use one-time dollars for ongoing expenses, which is fine. But after those dollars are gone, you still have an ongoing expense for which you need money. We only use one-time dollars for one-time expenses.”

School boards are required twice a year to certify their districts’ ability to meet financial obligations for the current fiscal year and two subsequent fiscal years. These certifications – Interim Reports – are based on criteria and standards adopted by the State Board of Education.

Earlier in Thursday’s meeting, Swearingen informed the board that the Measure K and Measure Z joint oversight committee is currently operating with just three members – enough for a quorum but far short the allotted seven. Committee members are limited to three two-year terms.

The district is looking for four potential members: one must be the parent-guardian of a DUSD student; one must be both a parent/guardian of a DUSD student and active in a parent-teacher organization (PTA, school-site council); one must be active in a business organization representing the business community located in the district; and one must be an active member in a bona fide taxpayer’s association.

Anyone interested in serving on the committee can call 209-632-7514 for further details.

Also Thursday:

• Robyn Hilton, a math teacher and leadership advisor at Denair High School, was formally, and unanimously, recognized by the board as DUSD’s Teacher of the Year nominee for Stanislaus County. 

“Mrs. Hilton meets every rigorous standard of the county program,” board President Billy said of the fourth-generation DHS graduate. “She has over eight years of classroom excellence; she maintains high expectations for student behavior; and, most importantly, she views her students’ success as her greatest reward. We wish her the best.”

• Sally Baker, a counselor at Denair Charter Academy, was tabbed DUSD’s Certificated Employee of the Month.

“Sally is a true professional,” said DCA Principal Jamie Pecot, who noted that Baker plans to retire in May. “She builds a strong rapport with students across campus, she is often one of the first people students meet when they enroll at DCA, and she leads orientation for new students to help them feel welcome from the very start.”

• Annette DeHart, a paraeducator at Denair Elementary Charter Academy, was named the Classified Employee of the Month.

“Annette goes out of her way to help students overcome challenges so they can succeed and feel confident in class,” said DECA Principal Crystal Sousa. “She makes everyone feel welcome and included no matter their needs or abilities. With kindness, patience, and support, she helps students feel like they truly belong at school.”

• Evelyn Ponce, part of DUSD’s adult transition program, was recognized as the district nominee for the Stanislaus County Office of Education’s “Every Student Succeeding” program.

Evelyn, 21, works at the Cup of Kindness coffee cart, where she plays an important part in helping Coyotes young and old wake up each morning.

“I knew (this honor) was coming, but I was surprised at the same time,” said Evelyn, who was joined at Thursday’s meeting by mother Maria Acevedo and teacher Renee Hall. “I like doing deliveries and making drinks, even when, sometimes, the morning rush is stressful for me.” 

“Every Student Succeeding” honors students who have modeled resilience in the face of challenges, exceeded expectations, or have simply won the hearts of their teachers. Evelyn was one of 27 students honored countywide.

“Evelyn is very friendly and takes pride in working at the coffee cart,” said Hall. “She does a really good job, the customers love her, and she loves to socialize with the customers. She’s just amazing.”

Evelyn wants everybody to know that Cup of Kindness is open Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Friday mornings from 7-10.