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Parents, students and teachers urge Ventura Unified to preserve Lemon Grove's TK'8 middle school program
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Summary
Dozens of students, parents and staff called on the board to keep Lemon Grove's 6'8 program intact and opposed recommended cuts that would eliminate two of three middle-school teacher positions; speakers described academic and social benefits of the small-school model.
A steady stream of students, parents and Lemon Grove teachers told the Ventura Unified board not to dismantle the school's TK'8 middle school program, saying the small, relationship-based model yields improved grades, social-emotional supports and strong transitions to high school.
Students gave direct testimony about how Lemon Grove helped them academically and socially: "Please don't cut our middle school program," said Gio, a seventh grader, adding that his GPA improved and he feels safe and supported at Lemon Grove. (Gio)
Multiple parents and teachers described Lemon Grove as a "TK'8 community" where older students mentor younger ones, leadership opportunities and hands-on electives (makerspace, innovation lab, gardening, science trips) are central to student engagement. Teacher Katie Padgett said the middle school model was built intentionally and that removing two of three middle-school teachers would "basically destroy our program." (Katie Padgett)
Several parents and teachers urged the board to delay any irreversible staffing reductions until the school-closure advisory committee completes its work and until the district can fully analyze enrollment changes and outreach strategies to increase demand for the site. "It feels incredibly shortsighted to make this kind of drastic change before the school-closure committee has even met," TK'8 teacher Tanya Taussager said. (Tanya Taussager)
District staff repeatedly told the board that proposed reductions are based on current course requests and projected enrollment; staff said the lists are reversible if course requests or enrollment increase. Still, many speakers warned that reducing middle-school staffing would drive families away and depress enrollment further.
The board did approve the certificated reduction resolution during the same meeting; trustees and staff said they will continue to explore options and asked for more data about enrollment projections, program promotion, and the cost of out-of-district placements for students with specialized needs.
The meeting record captures broad community pushback on the Lemon Grove recommendation and a request that the district prioritize student-facing staff and provide a transparent enrollment and program-growth plan before implementing reductions.
