Alhambra Board considers resolution to cut certified teaching positions amid budget reductions

The Martinez Unified School Board held a regular meeting on February 24, 2025, focusing on budget reductions and staffing changes within the district. The meeting began with a reminder for board members to consider similar districts in size and structure when discussing future actions.

One of the key agenda items was the review and adoption of Resolution Number 2025-17, which proposed the elimination or reduction of certified employee positions. This resolution was introduced in response to previously approved budget cuts, necessitating a reduction in certificated positions to align with the new financial constraints. The board discussed the specifics of the resolution, including the types of services affected.

Public comment was invited, during which Jen Fennell, a teacher at Alhambra High School and a parent within the district, expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed cuts. Fennell highlighted that the social studies department currently offers a wide range of courses, and the planned reduction of one full-time equivalent (FTE) position could jeopardize the ability to provide required classes for graduation. She emphasized that cutting electives would diminish the school's competitiveness and hinder the district's ability to meet new state requirements for ethnic studies and financial literacy courses.

Fennell urged the board to reconsider the cuts, citing the potential negative impact on students' educational opportunities and future competitiveness. She noted that the announcement of these cuts was made with little notice, leaving staff and parents unprepared to address the implications.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the resolution at the next board meeting, allowing for further discussion and consideration of the community's feedback. The board's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the educational landscape for students in the Martinez Unified School District.