Petaluma teachers voice concerns over budget cuts impacting vital staff positions

Discontent over budget cuts dominated the Petaluma City Schools Board of Education meeting on February 12, 2025, as educators and community members voiced their frustrations regarding proposed staff reductions. Sandra Larson, President of the Petaluma Federation of Teachers, led the charge, expressing disappointment in the board's disregard for the budget committee's recommendations. Larson emphasized that the committee, which included three members, had worked diligently to prioritize student-facing jobs, only to see key recommendations ignored for the second consecutive year.

"The decisions did not come easy and required many discussions and thought," Larson stated, highlighting the committee's commitment to preserving essential roles. She questioned the purpose of the committee if its recommendations continued to be overlooked, particularly in light of the district's repeated requests for public funding.

Katie Gill, a teacher at PACS, raised concerns about the potential cuts to critical positions, including a full-time bilingual secretary and a school nurse. With a significant percentage of Spanish-speaking students at her school, Gill argued that losing these roles would hinder equitable support for families. She pointed out that the current nurse-to-student ratio was already inadequate, with one nurse serving over 1,700 students, far exceeding the recommended ratio of one nurse for every 750 students.

Cathy Goodacre, CEO of the Career Technical Education Foundation, also urged the board to reconsider cuts to a key position responsible for managing career pathways. Goodacre noted that the foundation had invested over $400,000 in Petaluma City Schools since 2021, yielding a tenfold return in funding. She expressed concern that eliminating this role would jeopardize the district's commitment to career readiness.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between the board's budgetary decisions and the community's demand for adequate support for students and staff. As the board weighs its options, the voices of educators and parents continue to call for a reconsideration of cuts that could significantly impact the quality of education in Petaluma.