Oxnard Union board adopts budget stabilization plan after heated debate over staff cuts

The Oxnard Union High School District board on April 22 adopted a Budget Stabilization Plan intended to restore the district to a positive financial certification as enrollment and revenue decline. Trustees also approved a Budget Advisory Committee to provide stakeholder review of fiscal priorities.

Trustee Baker Torres, speaking against the plan, said it “commits us to sustaining a high quality education program, but this plan doesn't reflect that commitment,” and argued the proposed reductions fall disproportionately on certificated and classified staff rather than administrative or non‑personnel spending. Superintendent Tom McCoy told the board the plan is a multi‑year roadmap required to align spending with a projected continuing decline in enrollment and state funding. “We will continue to need $5 to $7 million in reduction every year for the next five years,” McCoy said, noting that roughly 83% of the district’s expenditures are personnel costs and that attrition would reduce the number of staff ultimately affected.

Why it matters: OUHSD has lost about 2,200 students over the past 3½ years, staff said, which reduces state funding tied to attendance. The stabilization plan establishes targets and mechanisms—including attrition, voluntary separations, and possible personnel reductions—to reach a positive budget status by the time the district adopts its 2026‑27 budget.

What the board decided: After discussion and questions from trustees seeking more specificity about administrative and non‑personnel reductions, the board voted to adopt Resolution No. 26‑20 (the Budget Stabilization Plan) during the meeting. The item was recorded by roll call and passed in open session. Trustees also approved forming a Budget Advisory Committee by a separate vote (4‑1) to include staff, parents, students and two board representatives who would attend as non‑chairs and non‑voting participants; the committee is scheduled to meet at least four times prior to the adopted budget to review revenue and expenditure priorities.

Concerns and next steps: Trustees urged greater transparency on which positions or programs would be affected and more evidence of shared sacrifice in administrative and non‑personnel areas. Trustee Baker Torres asked for updated fiscal analyses rather than relying on a 2024 risk assessment; other trustees emphasized the plan is flexible and that numbers may shift as resignations and retirements occur. McCoy said the administration will continue to refine the staffing and savings estimates and return with updates during the budget process. Community members who addressed the board during public comment stressed both the importance of protecting classroom staff and the need to find structural savings.

The board’s adoption of the plan allows staff to proceed with steps intended to achieve a positive certification in June and to report progress at future meetings. The board also asked staff to bring back more granular data on proposed reductions, timeline impacts, and potential alternatives as the budget work continues.