The Petaluma City Schools Board of Education convened on November 19, 2024, to address several pressing issues affecting the district, including funding for visual and performing arts programs and the potential relocation of the Live Oak Waldorf program.

The meeting began with a discussion on the impact of social media on students, emphasizing the need for the district to assess its policies and support mechanisms. Board members expressed a commitment to understanding the implications of these discussions for student welfare.

Public comments followed, with Molly Lunabas, an art teacher at Casa Grande High School, addressing the board regarding a significant funding oversight. She highlighted that visual and performing arts programs had been removed from the protective funding of the perpetual parcel tax measure C, which had been in place for over two decades. Lunabas stressed the negative consequences of this decision, including project delays and insufficient resources for students. She reported that the board is committed to restoring funding for these programs and restructuring allocations to prioritize materials over salaries, ensuring that students have the necessary tools for their education.

Krista O'Connor, a teacher and union vice president, raised concerns about the proposed move of the Live Oak Waldorf program to the Valley Vista campus. She expressed the emotional stress this decision has caused families and the potential disruption to the educational experience of students. O'Connor emphasized the need for careful consideration of equity and inclusion in the district's planning processes.

Parent Shereen Jackson shared her frustrations regarding the transition at Valley Vista, noting that many families are leaving the school due to uncertainty about its future. She urged the board to allow families to enroll in other schools before the official enrollment period begins to alleviate stress.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the board to address the concerns raised by the community and to keep the public informed about ongoing developments. The board's next steps include ensuring the restoration of arts funding and carefully considering the implications of the proposed program changes for the district's families.