The Santa Cruz Valley Unified District governing board voted Jan. 14 to release Jessica Klum from her 2024–25 employment contract and to assess liquidated damages of $1,000.

The board received staff recommendation that the teacher be released and that the district assess damages. The board moved, seconded and voted; one board member recorded an abstention and the chair announced, "Ayes have it. Motion carries."

During discussion board members expressed concern about consistency in how the district has treated contract releases and liquidated damages in prior cases, and asked staff to place a policy review on a future agenda or board retreat so the board can adopt consistent criteria. The superintendent’s staff explained that releases have varied by circumstance, such as illness, relocation or staff taking another job, and that the board should revisit policy to ensure fairness.

The motion approved the release and the $1,000 liquidated‑damages assessment; the transcript records an abstention but does not clearly identify which member abstained. The board directed staff to assess damages and noted the principal and TLA had already arranged coverage for the classroom.