Benicia Unified board approves classified‑staff reduction notices; community urges preserving libraries and OT services

Benicia Unified School District trustees voted to approve Resolution 25‑26‑35, issuing classified‑staff reduction notices intended to close a projected $1.7 million budget gap while directing staff to prepare a prioritized list for reinstating positions if revenue or enrollment improves.

The action follows a superintendent presentation that framed the financial pressure around state funding uncertainty and declining enrollment. Superintendent Calabrace told the board that a 1% increase in average daily attendance (ADA) would bring roughly $500,000 to the district, and that the district has already reduced five teaching positions, the director of student services and a 60% psychologist position as part of earlier cuts.

Why it matters: trustees and staff said the district faces a structural shortfall driven chiefly by lower enrollment and pending changes in state funding. The reductions are intended to keep the district’s general fund solvent and preserve required reserve levels; board members also asked staff to prepare a priority list to return staff if the May‑June budget picture improves.

What the board decided and how they voted: the motion to approve the classified‑staff reduction resolution passed after an amendment to require a prioritized reinstatement list. The roll call recorded President Grubs and Trusty Hirs voting yes, Trusty Seda voting no, Trusty Miselli yes and Trusty Manasi no; the motion passed.

Public response: more than a dozen speakers urged the board to reconsider cuts that would reduce library hours and occupational‑therapy (OT) staffing. Aaron Gilly, an education specialist and parent, told the board library staff are essential for finding resources for students and for schoolwide reading programs. Chess Sto Vhil, identified in the meeting as the Benicia High School library media/textbook manager, warned that reducing hours at the high‑school library ‘‘assures that the library doors will be closed during part of the school day’’ and said that students rely on the library for Chromebook exchanges, printing and quiet study.

Parents and therapists pressed the board about OT reductions. A parent who identified herself as Marisol and a district occupational‑therapy staffer detailed the workload for assessments and IEP services, arguing that cutting a 40‑hour OT position to 24 hours would make it difficult to meet mandated timelines and could force the district to purchase costlier contracted services.

District context and staff response: during board discussion Superintendent Calabrace and Chief Business staff said they had reviewed vacancies, contracts and program funding and concluded that the reductions chosen produce needed savings while allowing legally required services to continue. Trudy Barington, presenting the second interim report earlier in the meeting, said the district retains a ‘‘positive’’ certification but must plan conservatively because multi‑year projections show potential reserve declines if enrollment and ADA fall as projected.

Next steps: the board directed staff to (1) submit the second interim report to the county office of education (completed as part of the meeting actions), (2) prepare a prioritized list of positions for reinstatement should funding improve, and (3) continue budget adjustments ahead of the district’s budget adoption scheduled for mid‑June.

Comments from the meeting: "California does not fund public education at a level that matches its economic capacity," Superintendent Calabrace said, urging the public to contact state legislators. Chess Sto Vhil said reducing high‑school library hours ‘‘would be a true detriment to student success.’’

What was not decided: the vote approves issuing reduction notices (required under state labor law timing rules) but does not by itself close positions permanently; if revenue improves, some positions can be restored per the prioritized list the board requested.

Authorities and fiscal details mentioned in the meeting: references included Proposition 98 funding mechanics, the state’s literacy‑screener mandate, and an ‘‘Allen’’ transfer‑law reference related to inter‑district transfer rights. The superintendent and business office also cited one‑time state monies that had been used in prior years and are ending this fiscal year.

Reporting notes: the board’s action was contentious in public comment, with multiple speakers emphasizing impacts on students’ daily services. The district and board repeatedly framed the steps as necessary to maintain required reserves and preserve essential instructional programs under current revenue assumptions.