Pacific Grove USD lays out FY 2026–27 reduction options; public and trustees push for alternatives

District leaders outlined recommended reductions for fiscal year 2026–27 on Feb. 5 as part of a multiyear plan to stop persistent deficit spending. Assistant Superintendent Josh Jordan and Superintendent Doctor Adamson presented two alternatives (Option A, recommended by the Budget Advisory Subcommittee, and Option B) that together aim to reduce ongoing expenditures by roughly $800,000–$1.2 million depending on selections and tie‑breaking outcomes.

What's proposed: Personnel changes proposed include eliminating a 1.0 FTE digital learning teacher, a 1.0 FTE elementary Spanish teacher, one elementary classroom teacher (by dissolving a class where enrollment no longer requires it), reductions in paraeducator staffing at the Adult Transition Program to reflect lower enrollment, a redesign that reduces Community High staffing by 1.0 FTE (to be restructured as co‑teaching), and reclassifying the high‑school librarian from a certificated 1.0 FTE to a classified 0.75 FTE library/media tech. Jordan explained the district's fiscal constraints and noted that roughly 85% of unrestricted general fund expenditures are salaries and benefits.

Option A (subcommittee recommendation) packages the above personnel reductions with operational cuts (travel, materials and supplies, SRO contract removal, suspension of next-year elementary summer program and a freeze on some deferred-maintenance transfers), and estimated multiyear net relief of about $1.13 million. Option B removes the digital learning teacher and district librarian from the cuts but otherwise mirrors Option A, yielding somewhat lower savings.

Why it matters: Trustees were blunt that continuing deficit spending risks state fiscal intervention (AB 1200 oversight) if reserves fall below statutory thresholds. Assistant Superintendent Jordan presented multiyear projections showing Option A improves reserves and positions the district for longer-term stability; trustees said the district must weigh short-term pain against the risk of receivership.

Public response: Dozens of parents, staff, students and union leaders urged the board to protect student-facing positions. Public commenters repeatedly named the programs and staff they wanted preserved: the high‑school librarian (Alex Morrison), mental‑health therapists, Community High staff and the elementary Spanish program. Union leaders and program advocates described measurable student impacts and equity concerns; several speakers asked the board to prioritize a district‑office organizational review before cutting classroom- or student-facing roles.

Trustee questions and next steps: Trustees asked for additional analysis of district‑office staffing and functions, comparisons to like-sized districts, and clear mandated-vs-discretionary role lists. Trustee Atmar specifically requested a concise staff report mapping district‑office positions, mandates, FTE and costs before the board gives final direction. The budget subcommittee recommended proceeding with Option A; some trustees asked staff to return with further data and alternatives.

Procedural note: No final layoff resolution or reduction motion was adopted at this meeting. The board scheduled further steps in the budget calendar, including site meetings, a community information session and a March second interim report; a staff motion to place the subcommittee's recommendation on the next action agenda was discussed but the board requested further analysis on district-office alternatives before final votes.