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Board approves layoff resolutions and identifies $6M in potential cuts, amid community protest
Summary
Trustees approved a slate of resolutions that establish layoff procedures and list certificated and classified positions for reduction while staff and community speakers warned about impacts on counselors, custodians and instructional programs.
At the Feb. 10 meeting, the Petaluma district moved forward on multiple personnel resolutions and budget items intended to address a projected shortfall.
The board reported a closed‑session approval of Resolution 2526‑29 earlier in the meeting. During open session, trustees voted to approve Resolution 2526‑27 (identifying credentials/certificates to be skipped in a certificated layoff process) and Resolution 2526‑28 (criteria to break seniority ties among certificated employees). The board then approved Resolution 2526‑30, an over‑identification listing approximately 44 certificated FTE as candidates for reduction depending on enrollment and funding, and a classified reduction‑in‑force resolution (listed as Resolution 2526‑31) that would eliminate specified classified and classified management positions effective June 30, 2026.
Board and staff repeatedly emphasized that the listed reductions represent an over‑identification: some positions might be reinstated if enrollment, restricted funds or the governor’s May revise change the district’s fiscal picture. Staff said the district identified roughly $6,000,000 in potential reductions and supplied a prioritized list of roles that could be restored if funding allows, including student advisers, a nurse, reading specialists, music teacher, bilingual coordinator and library assistance.
During public comment, counselors, guidance coordinators, classified‑union leaders and librarians urged the board to preserve counseling and student‑facing classified roles, warning of higher caseloads, delays in services and operational burdens on remaining staff. Caitlin Severn, a district guidance coordinator, said cutting counselors will “delay support and allow small concerns to become more complex.” Megan McClellan, lead counselor at Petaluma High, cited counselor‑student ratios and recent demand data; she said the site had about 300 students per counselor versus the ASCA recommended 250:1.
Trustees acknowledged the human cost of the decisions and thanked the budget advisory committee and commenters for detailed input. Several trustees said some positions could be reinstated when the district receives more final state budget language in May.
The board approved the resolutions by voice vote; where specific individual votes were not recorded on the public record, the minutes reflect the board’s voice‑vote approvals.
