Río Hondo Community College District has unveiled a balanced tentative budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, outlining continued investments in student programs while maintaining strong financial reserves.
The Río Hondo College Budget reflects the district’s plan to align local spending with California’s proposed state budget while supporting instruction, student services and campus improvements.
Trustees received the tentative budget during their June board meeting as administrators presented the district’s financial outlook for the coming fiscal year.
The budget follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May revision to the 2026-27 state budget, which continues California’s two-year budget planning approach and maintains funding priorities for community colleges, including cost-of-living adjustments, categorical program funding and support for 1.5% systemwide enrollment growth over two years.
In a district news release, Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss said the tentative budget demonstrates the college’s commitment to responsible financial stewardship while preserving access to educational opportunities and student support services.
The district based its budget on an enrollment projection of 12,600 Full-Time Equivalent Students, the formula used by the state to allocate funding to California community colleges.
The tentative budget projects $145.53 million in unrestricted general fund revenue and $145.53 million in expenses, resulting in a balanced spending plan. The unrestricted general fund includes reserves of more than $70.4 million.
The district also projects $48.76 million in restricted general fund revenue, $48.74 million in expenses and reserves totaling approximately $32.48 million.
District officials said the financial plan allows Río Hondo College to continue investing in instruction, student support services and campus operations while maintaining long-term fiscal stability.
According to the district’s news release, Board of Trustees President Rosaelva Lomeli said the budget reflects the board’s commitment to making thoughtful financial decisions that support students and the communities the college serves. She said the district remains focused on maintaining fiscal responsibility while expanding educational opportunities and promoting student success.
The tentative budget will serve as the framework for district operations as Río Hondo College enters the 2026-27 fiscal year. Trustees are expected to consider a final adopted budget after the state completes its budget process and the district updates its financial projections.
Serving students throughout the San Gabriel Valley and neighboring communities, Río Hondo College continues to prioritize accessible higher education, workforce development and transfer opportunities while maintaining a strong financial foundation.
More information about the district, its budget and academic programs is available from the Río Hondo College. Additional information about California’s community college system is available through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
