Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Board approves initial phase of budget cuts after packed meeting over proposed mental-health reductions
Summary
After hours of public testimony opposing cuts to mental-health clinicians and social-emotional counselors, the Pajaro Valley Unified board approved an initial package of reductions focused on district-office savings and right-sizing academic coordinator and release-time positions; debate continues over potential further cuts to student supports and PVPSA contract reductions.
The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board voted on Jan. 15 to approve an initial package of budget reductions recommended by the district’s Sustainable Budget Team, even as hundreds of parents, students and staff urged trustees not to cut social-emotional counselors and district-employed mental-health clinicians.
The Sustainable Budget Team presented multi-week analyses showing the district faces a structural deficit as one-time pandemic (ESSER) funds sunset and enrollment is projected to decline. The team recommended returning to pre-pandemic staffing and funding levels and prioritized teaching and learning, visual and performing arts and enrichment programs; mental-health services were ranked but nonetheless appeared among items identified for…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
