The Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve resolutions authorizing layoff notices and reductions under a rightsizing plan aimed at closing a projected $30 million deficit; trustees and staff said notices are the March procedural step with final layoffs subject to May decisions, while parents and unions urged alternatives to protect programs like dual‑language immersion.
At the Feb. 23 special strategic-planning workshop trustees approved the meeting agenda (6–0, Trustee Ryan absent) and later adjourned by voice vote at 9:15 p.m.
Trustees and consultants converged on a four-theme framework to guide strategic planning — academic excellence, fiscal stewardship, safe and inclusive climate, and systems/communication — but disagreed over phrasing such as “students first” and pressed for measurable metrics and staff input before a May 5 follow-up.
District leaders presented a framework to cut about $30 million from the 2026–27 general fund — including reductions in certificated and classified staff and program restructures — prompting hours of public comment asking the board to slow the process and use reserves to phase changes.
Trustees approved a facilities‑use agreement, extended the meeting, passed multiple consent items and appointed interim and director positions; several votes were unanimous and one TOSA job description passed 6–1.
After closed-session deliberations, the Santa Clara Unified School District board voted 7–0 to accept a separation agreement and general release for employee number 8011 and authorized district staff to finalize the matter.
Dozens of district counselors, school psychologists and staff told the board that a proposed reduction of 9.5 counseling positions (described repeatedly as about 30%) would undermine universal and targeted services, increase counselor-to-student ratios beyond ASCA guidance, and disproportionately harm underrepresented and alternative-education students.
Trustees debated a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) pilot after two bid solicitations produced no bids; staff said the PLA includes steps to confer with the building trades council and, if needed, rebid outside the PLA. The board then voted 7–0 to award multiple Group 2 contracts for Bracker Elementary modernization.
District presentation described a multiyear professional-learning system aligned to LCAP goals; presenters reported over 32,000 logged professional-learning hours across 300+ opportunities and more than 90% of teachers saying they intend to implement strategies learned.
Consultant analysis showed multiple development scenarios for the district’s Monticello and Martinson parcels, with conservative land-value ranges for Monticello exchange at roughly $55–$63 million; trustees voted 7–0 to proceed with further due diligence and site-plan work.
