Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board votes to release teacher from contract, assess $1,000 liquidated damages; members call for consistent policy
Summary
The governing board voted to release a teacher identified in the meeting as Jessica Hume (motion text also referenced "Jessica Klum") from her 2024-25 contract and to assess liquidated damages of $1,000. Board members raised concerns about inconsistent past practice and asked the board to revisit policy on waiving or assessing damages.
The Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 governing board voted Jan. 14 to release a teacher identified in the meeting notice as Jessica Hume and, in the motion text, as Jessica Klum, from her 2024-25 contract and to assess liquidated damages in the amount of $1,000.
Superintendent Ricardo Verdugo presented the item, explaining that the teacher—s duties were currently provided by paraprofessionals under site supervision and that the site recommended the release and assessment of damages. The board moved and seconded the recommendation and approved it by voice vote. During the roll call the motion carried with one member recorded as abstaining; board members present numbered five.
Why it matters: Releasing an employee from contract and assessing liquidated damages shifts staffing responsibility and can carry financial consequences for the departing employee. Board members expressed concern about inconsistent handling of similar releases in prior meetings and asked the board to adopt clearer guidelines.
Board discussion and concerns Board member Renee Ramirez raised consistency concerns, saying the board has not always handled liquidated damages uniformly and asking that the board revisit the policy. Ramirez noted prior instances where the board waived damages for some employees but not for others and urged the board to establish clearer standards.
Superintendent Verdugo said the district evaluates releases on a case-by-case basis. He described typical factors such as spouse relocation or serious illness that have previously resulted in waived damages; in this instance the presenter said the individual accepted a new job. Verdugo and other board members agreed the board should revisit the matter and consider placing it on a future retreat or agenda for formal policy guidance.
Vote and procedure The motion on Jan. 14 was to "release Mrs. [Jessica] from her 2024-25 contract and assess liquidated damages in the amount of $1,000." The motion passed; the meeting transcript records one abstention and indicates "ayes have it." The board recorded no public amendment to the dollar amount during the session.
Additional procedural notes A member asked staff to bring a consistent policy for the board to review that would clarify when damages are assessed or waived. The superintendent and other members agreed to add the matter to a future agenda for review.
The personnel action was handled in open session as a consent/regular agenda item; no additional public deliberations or appeal procedures were recorded at the meeting.
