Ventura Unified approves release of temporary certificated staff and moves ahead with staffing reductions amid projected shortfall

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 district's multiyear projection, saying the lower COLA in the governor's proposal reduces local-control funding and that the district would face a roughly $12.3 million structural deficit at adopted budget 2026'27 under current assumptions if no staffing changes were made. Dr. Mirza noted one-time student-block grants of about $6.9 million and a learning-recovery block grant of roughly $1.7 million, and an estimated ongoing special-education funding increase of about $1.1 million. (Dr. Mirza)

Union leaders told the board that the district's proposed hard cap on health benefits and a 2% across-the-board raise would not be enough to cover premiums for many employees. "Most members would be paying over $6,000 annually for their current benefits," Sarah McLaughlin, president of the teachers'union local, said, urging the board to postpone irreversible changes until the full financial picture is clear. (Sarah McLaughlin)

Carol Peek, president of the Ventura Education Support Professional Association, warned that a 2% raise would be insufficient for many lower-paid employees. "A 2% raise on my salary would give me 60 cents an hour more," she said. (Carol Peek)

The board approved the following actions by recorded vote: - Resolution to release temporary certificated employees (item 14A1): approved 4-0. (presented by Gina Wolowitz) - Resolution 26-03 (item 14A2): reduce or discontinue particular certificated services for 2026'27 (includes a list of certificated and some special-education positions, CTE sections and site-based reductions): approved 4-0. - Resolution 26-04 (item B1): reductions and discontinuance of classified services; board approved the required notices and action to meet statutory timelines: approved 4-0.

Votes at a glance: - 14A1 (release of temporary certificated employees): passed 4-0. (provenance: topicintro SEG 2391, topfinish SEG 2460) - 14A2 / Resolution 26-03 (reduce/discontinue certificated services): passed 4-0. (provenance: topicintro SEG 2479, topfinish SEG 4297) - B1 / Resolution 26-04 (reduce/discontinue classified services): passed 4-0. (provenance: topicintro SEG 4321, topfinish SEG 4526)

Administration emphasized that staffing lists are based on current course requests and enrollment projections and that positions can be rehired if student requests or enrollment change. HR staff explained that temporary employees typically have reemployment rights and that the district would recruit positions back if enrollment or program needs change.

The board asked staff to return with additional detail on several items, including the condition of certain district roofs that were on the agenda for possible replacement, the cost and options for out-of-district special-education placements, and a more comprehensive presentation on the district's continuum of mental-health services and billing options.

The meeting record shows the board accepted staff's recommendations while repeatedly acknowledging the difficulty of the choices and the volume of public testimony urging alternatives. The district will continue to monitor state budget revisions (May revise and post-adoption adjustments) and revisit staffing choices if revenue or enrollment changes materially.

The board adjourned after routine consent approvals and committee reports. The district stated it will provide follow-up information on requested items and continue community engagement during the LCAP and school-closure processes.