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Ventura Unified approves release of temporary certificated staff and moves ahead with staffing reductions amid projected shortfall
Summary
After extended public comment, the Ventura Unified board voted 4-0 to release temporary certificated employees and to approve resolutions listing certificated and classified positions recommended for reduction; staff warned of a roughly $12.3 million structural deficit under current assumptions.
The Ventura Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a slate of staffing actions, including the annual release of temporary certificated employees and a resolution listing certificated positions recommended for reduction or discontinuance for the 2026'27 school year.
The votes came after a prolonged public-comment period in which teachers, classified staff, students and parents urged the board to preserve student-facing positions and delay midyear benefit changes. Superintendent Dr. Antonio Castro and district finance staff said the actions are part of a broader effort to close a projected structural deficit and maintain local control of district operations.
"If we were to receive a qualified or a negative certification, that would mean that the county or state could assume authority over key district decisions," Board President James Forsyth said as the board discussed the stakes of the district's multiyear picture. "It is essential that we keep these local decision-makers intact." (President James Forsyth)
District fiscal staffer Dr. Mirza summarized the governor's January proposal and the…
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