Pajaro Valley Unified School District 05/20/2026

This was a school board meeting of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District held on May 20, 2026. The meeting included extensive public comments primarily focused on concerns about proposed budget cuts, layoffs, and program changes affecting special education services, preschool programs, and school facilities. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the proposed reorganization involving the relocation of Renaissance High School and Duncan Halbert Preschool, with many community members and staff opposing the plan due to concerns about student safety, program quality, and inclusion. The board approved the creation of a new deputy superintendent position with a salary of approximately $234,770, a replacement role overseeing curriculum, professional development, and special education, despite some opposition regarding the timing and hiring process. The board also finalized layoffs following administrative law judge recommendations and approved the district's third interim fiscal report and fiscal stability plan, which projected ongoing structural deficits due to enrollment declines and rising costs. Additionally, the board reviewed and received a first reading of a new student cell phone policy developed with student input. Several consent agenda items were approved, including a feasibility study for transforming Lake View into an electric bus yard, funded by a PG&E grant. The meeting was marked by strong community engagement, with many speakers advocating for the protection of educational and support services amid financial challenges.