Ventura Unified board launches classified‑staff reduction process to address $8.7M budget gap

Ventura Unified School District trustees voted to begin the process for possible reductions to classified staff after staff said the district must target roughly $8.7 million in budget savings to balance multi‑year projections.

The board approved an amended Resolution 25‑2 after more than three hours of staff explanation, trustee questions and extended public comment. President Peterson said the action was intended to allow the district to meet legal timelines; the motion to adopt the amended resolution passed on a 5–0 roll‑call vote.

Why it matters: District staff told trustees that declining enrollment and the exhaustion of one‑time COVID‑era and other restricted funds have created a structural shortfall. The Ventura County Office of Education had previously advised the district to develop an action plan by March 15. Staff said the resolution allows human resources to begin issuing preliminary layoff notices and to explain "bumping" rights and other procedural protections to affected employees.

What the board debated: Trustees and staff walked through which classifications were listed, how reductions would interact with special‑education duties, and what options remain (furloughs, attrition, targeted reallocations). Staff emphasized that positions tied to students with individualized education programs could be rehired if legally required. Trustee questions focused on whether certain job classes (for example, graphics technicians and paraeducators) produce real savings or create operational risks if cut.

Public response: Dozens of classified employees, union leaders and other staff spoke during public comment. Carol Peak, president of VESA, said the district’s classified employees are essential: "there would be no Student Learning Without esps." Speakers urged alternatives including furlough days, voluntary reductions and targeted attrition; others warned of service disruptions to student health, safety and technology.

Board adjustments and votes: Before approving the resolution, trustees voted to remove two graphics‑technician positions from the layoff list so the board could get more information. That motion passed 3–2. After that amendment, the main motion to adopt Resolution 25‑2 passed 5–0.

What happens next: If the board’s action remains in place, staff will issue preliminary notices to affected classifications, notify employees of bumping rights and conduct required one‑on‑one meetings. Trustees and administrators stressed that notices are part of a legal timeline and do not always reflect final, irrevocable firings; the district retains the ability to amend lists and rescind notices where warranted.

Details and sources: Staff said the board previously directed a target of $8.7 million in reductions; the county’s correspondence prompted the March 15 staffing‑adjustment target. Speakers and staff repeatedly described the reductions as painful but, they said, necessary to keep the district solvent. The board’s roll‑call votes and public comments were taken on the record during the meeting.