Pacific Grove Unified School District board approves mental health therapist salary schedule

The Pacific Grove Unified School District (PGUSD) held a special board meeting on April 22, 2025, where significant discussions centered on enhancing mental health services for students and updating job descriptions for key educational roles.

A major highlight was the approval of a new salary schedule for licensed mental health therapists. Chief Human Resources Officer Buck Rogemann presented the updated schedule, which extends the work year from 185 to 217 days to better serve students in the extended school year program. This change aims to provide consistent mental health support, particularly for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The board unanimously approved the salary schedule, emphasizing the importance of mental health services in schools.

Trustee Atmar raised concerns about the workload increase for therapists, stressing the need to ensure their well-being while they care for students. The board acknowledged the transition from contracted services with Monterey County Behavioral Health to employing therapists directly, aiming to maintain service continuity for families.

In addition to mental health services, the board reviewed and approved several job descriptions, including those for a speech-language pathologist and an itinerant education specialist teacher. These updates are part of a broader effort to clarify roles and responsibilities within the district, ensuring that all positions are well-defined as PGUSD prepares to hire new staff.

The meeting also addressed the creation of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) coordinator position, funded through Proposition 28. This role is expected to enhance arts programming and grant management within the district, further enriching student experiences.

Overall, the meeting underscored PGUSD's commitment to improving mental health resources and educational support, with board members expressing a strong desire to ensure that all staff are adequately supported in their roles. The board's actions reflect a proactive approach to addressing the needs of both students and educators in the district.