Board adopted the 2026–27 final budget and LCAP and passed a resolution committing $22.8M to programmatic uses; trustees urged a transparent three-year plan to curb special-education cost growth alleged to be driving structural deficits.

District staff presented a preliminary 2026-27 budget projecting an unrestricted general fund deficit of $6.3 million and estimated ongoing savings target of about $16 million to restore the state-required 3% reserve; staff warned of potential negative cash beginning April 2028 if reductions are not made.

FCMAT presented a fiscal health risk analysis rating Antioch Unified as high risk (46.4%). The board approved the 2025–26 third interim report, took initial steps to reclassify cabinet positions and passed related salary-schedule changes while public commenters urged rescinding a $187,000 salary survey approved on the consent agenda.

After hours of public comment and a cash‑flow briefing from the state's fiscal team, the Antioch Unified School District board voted 3–2 (with one abstention) May 14 to adopt a package of proposed budget reductions while excluding certain student‑support positions; trustees also approved furloughs for management and a districtwide compensation study.

During public comment at the May 6 board meeting, teachers, behavior specialists, parents and union representatives warned that proposed reductions would increase caseloads, diminish crisis response and harm vulnerable students; speakers urged trustees to delay action and seek alternatives.