VUSD School Closures October 8 2026

Ventura Unified School District school-closure committee meeting, October 8, 2026: The committee heard public comments opposing potential closures and consolidations, with speakers emphasizing school-specific programs, student belonging, special-education services, facility capacity, and the risk that displaced families might leave the district. Members reviewed middle-school data and ranked the four schools for possible closure consideration. The committee reached consensus to place Cabrillo fourth (least favored for closure consideration); Balboa and Anacapa were left tied in the top two positions, with differing views on their order. Data’s position was not clearly resolved in the transcript. Members also discussed a possible K–8 configuration involving EP Foster and Sheridan Way, but the discussion did not produce a clear final recommendation on that proposal.

For high schools, the committee’s consensus was to recommend keeping Foothill Technology High School open as a comprehensive high school. Members favored keeping Pacific High School open, while views on whether to keep or relocate El Camino varied; the committee agreed to present those differing views for the board to consider. Public commenters cited the district’s proposed nearly $3 million in annual savings from closing Foothill and argued that lost enrollment could reduce or offset savings; these were comments, not committee-approved budget figures. The committee reviewed the draft board report and planned to add the evening’s results and supporting materials before submitting it for the board meeting. It also approved amending the ad hoc writing team’s membership. No contract awards, bids, vendor selections, or other procurement activity were identified.