The Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) is facing a significant staffing crisis, with approximately 70 employees leaving the district in the past year alone. During the January 28, 2025, meeting, concerns were raised about the underlying issues driving this trend, highlighting a toxic administrative culture and lack of support for staff.

A representative voiced strong criticism of the district's leadership, particularly targeting Superintendent Rigby. They described the work environment as "toxic," where employees feel isolated and unsupported. This atmosphere has reportedly made it difficult for staff to voice their concerns, ultimately impacting their ability to serve students and families effectively.

Financial mismanagement was also a focal point of the discussion. The representative pointed out that the district has spent over $3.5 million in legal fees and other costs aimed at silencing employee representatives. This includes $2 million already allocated and an additional $1.5 million in debts due to recent legal decisions. Meanwhile, staff have not received salary increases in 19 months, despite a 20-23% rise in the cost of living over the past two years. New hires are reportedly being offered higher salaries and bonuses than long-serving employees, further exacerbating morale issues.

The representative urged board members to acknowledge these real concerns rather than dismiss them as hypothetical scenarios. They emphasized that without addressing these issues, the trend of employee departures is likely to continue, posing a serious challenge to the district's stability and effectiveness.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for change was clear. The district must confront these challenges head-on to retain its staff and ensure a supportive environment for both employees and students moving forward.