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Pacific Grove USD board approves multiple staff reductions; district plans to rehire mental-health therapists using outside funds
Summary
The Pacific Grove Unified School District Board on March 6 adopted three resolutions to reduce certificated and classified positions totaling 7.975 FTE in proposed reductions; the board and administration said the district plans to reallocate outside funding to restore three mental-health therapist positions next year.
The Pacific Grove Unified School District Board of Education voted March 6 to adopt three resolutions that will reduce certificated and classified staffing and to approve tie‑breaking criteria used if employees share identical hire dates.
The board unanimously passed Resolution 1146, a certificated reduction in force, that seeks a net 4.6 full‑time equivalent reduction in certificated positions. Chief Human Resources Officer Mr. Rogerman told the board the recommended reductions are driven by lower TK–5 enrollment and are intended to preserve contractual class‑size goals. The district estimated those reductions would save approximately $589,000.
Trustees then adopted Resolution 1147, which establishes point‑based tiebreaking criteria for certificated layoffs when two employees share the same hire date. The criteria award points for clear or life credentials, credential authorizations for English learners, supplementary authorizations and degrees beyond the BA/BS. If points remain equal, a random draw would decide the tie.
The board also passed Resolution 1148, a classified personnel reduction in force. The resolution records a proposed 3.375 FTE reduction that includes an existing 0.375 instructional assistant vacancy and three mental‑health therapist positions. District staff explained the administration intends to rehire three mental‑health therapists for the 2025–26 school year using funds reallocated from a contract with Monterey County Behavioral Health and a one‑year arts, music and discretionary grant; two positions would be funded through those sources and one via the district unrestricted general fund with relief from special education funding. Staff estimated the classified reductions would save about $552,885.
Board members and staff discussed how the district will monitor student needs and how rehired positions will be funded and staffed. Trustee Atmar and others asked that the district formalize a plan to coordinate counselors, mental‑health therapists, site administrators and outside partners so the district can “pivot” if student needs increase. Superintendent Dr. Adamson and Director Cork Anthony said they plan regular meetings of counseling and mental‑health staff to review caseloads and student needs and indicated the intent to convene a more formal collaborative in the coming weeks.
Staff clarified rehiring procedures for certificated employees affected by the reductions: probationary employees placed on a 24‑month rehire list and permanent employees placed on a 39‑month rehire list, preserving recall rights if positions reopen.
The board took the following formal votes on these items: • Resolution 1146 (certificated RIF): motion by President Dr. Hazen; second by Clerk McNary. Vote: Ayes 5 (Hazen, McNary, Otman, Shamas, Wex); Noes 0—adopted. • Resolution 1147 (tie‑breaking criteria): motion by Clerk McNary; second by Trustee Atmar. Vote: Ayes 5 (Hazen, McNary, Otman, Shamas, Wex); Noes 0—adopted. • Resolution 1148 (classified RIF): motion by President Dr. Hazen; second by Trustee Shamas. Vote: Ayes 5 (Hazen, McNary, Otman, Shamas, Wex); Noes 0—adopted.
During closed session earlier in the meeting the board voted unanimously to issue notices of non‑reelection to four temporary certificated teachers; administrators said that action was taken in closed session and reported out to the public after the meeting. The district also reported that information was received and direction given on other closed‑session items; no additional public details were released.
Trustees who spoke urged the administration to monitor service levels and to ensure pay and terms remain comparable when the district reassigns funding sources for mental‑health positions. Superintendent Dr. Adamson said any specific salary decisions would follow comparative studies and current compensation practices and that the intent is not to reduce current salary levels for rehired positions.
No further action was taken beyond adoption of the three resolutions. The district will bring back more detailed planning for mental‑health staffing and for any rehires as plans are finalized.
