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Pajaro Valley Unified trustees face public outcry as budget cuts, layoffs and staffing decisions loom
Summary
Trustees heard hours of public comment Wednesday on proposed staff cuts and schedule changes as teachers, students and unions warned that nine teacher layoffs and other reductions would force schedule changes and cut courses including health and arts. The board later reported multiple personnel actions from closed session, with several resolutions adopted 6–1.
Trustees of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District heard extensive public testimony Wednesday about proposed layoffs and other budget actions as district leaders try to close a large funding gap.
Dozens of teachers, students, union leaders and community members told the board the proposed reductions would deeply affect course offerings and student supports. "Losing nine of our 51 teachers will leave our site severely understaffed," said Jesse Sherwood, a science teacher at Aptos High, describing a likely loss of the school’s seven‑period bell schedule and the ripple effects on elective and support classes. Students and staff warned the cuts could eliminate required health classes and shrink VAPA and CTE opportunities.
Community speakers framed the district’s finances as urgent. A member of…
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