Board approves first interim budget and votes to begin staffing reductions after hours of public protest

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees voted to approve its first interim budget and to adopt resolutions authorizing reductions in classified and certificated services after a contentious meeting marked by extensive public comment.

Gerardo Castillo, the district’s chief business officer, outlined the first interim budget and said the district is in "qualified" status under the county review because multiyear projections show the general fund reserves falling below required levels in 2027‑28. Castillo reported a combined beginning fund balance of about $106.8 million and a projected combined year‑end balance of about $70.8 million; he told trustees the district projects deficit spending in the unrestricted general fund of roughly $12.1 million for the current year and higher deficits in later years unless changes are made. Castillo said funding is heavily tied to average daily attendance and state aid and that certain positions funded by temporary grants and restricted funds (for example ESSER and some after‑school grants) are no longer sustainable in perpetuity.

Dozens of public speakers—students, teachers, classified staff, parents and union leaders—urged the board to reject staffing cuts that would eliminate or reduce mental‑health clinicians, health‑care assistants, instructional assistants (IAs) and behavior technicians (BTs). A union representative warned that the district risks an impasse and legal exposure if cuts proceed without validated data and full bargaining; multiple teachers and special‑education staff said current IEP services are already strained and that cutting positions would put students and staff at risk.

After public comment, the board approved the first interim budget and then voted separately on resolutions that authorize the administration to begin the statutory personnel and merit‑system steps tied to the proposed reductions. The classified‑services resolution (10.2) passed on roll call; the chair announced the motion carried (reported as 5–2 on the record). The subsequent certificated‑services resolution (10.3) also passed after a roll call vote. Administration and trustees said the personnel commission and bargaining processes will still apply to any individual notices and that some of the positions listed are vacant; administration also said it will pursue retirement incentives and possible re‑scoping of duties to reduce impacts.

Trustees who opposed the cuts said they wanted more time for consultation with labor and deeper review of which reimbursable restricted positions can be braided to preserve student‑facing services. Supporters of the motions said the district must act to address the multiyear structural deficit to avoid state oversight. The meeting adjourned after the consent agenda was taken up late at night.