Petaluma City Schools

The Board of Education addressed the necessity of reducing or discontinuing classified services due to a lack of work and/or funds, effective no later than the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, resulting in the termination of several classified employees. Specific classified services slated for reduction or elimination include Student Advisor (9.0 FTE), Instructional Assistant roles (5.125 FTE total), Library Coordinator (0.125 FTE), Playground Supervisor (0.125 FTE), Library Media, Technology Assistant (2.0 FTE), Custodian Floater (3.0 FTE), Grounds Worker (1.0 FTE), Maintenance Specialists (HVAC and Plumber, 1.0 FTE each), Bilingual Coordinator (1.0 FTE), District Office Receptionist (1.0 FTE), Technology Support Specialist (1.0 FTE), District Student Information & Attendance Specialist (1.0 FTE), Work-Based Learning Coordinator (1.0 FTE), Coordinator for District Guidance (1.0 FTE), Coordinator for Transportation (1.0 FTE), and Director of Maintenance & Operations & Transportation (1.0 FTE). The Superintendent or designee was directed to send appropriate termination notices.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding contract reopeners for the California School Employees Association Chapter 212 and the Pétaluma City Elementary and Pétaluma Joint Union High School Districts, which was closed with no public comments. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing students. Recognitions included Students of the Semester from Mary Collins School at Cherry Valley (Gideon Ranken and Charlotte Thomas), Students of the Month from Kennallworth Junior High School (Ellie Vet and Yaslene Diaz Culon), and Students of the Month from Pétaluma Junior High School (Gavin Pulley and Harper Blouse). Additionally, student recognitions were presented for Kasa Grande High School (Kevin Hansen and Miles Nicholas) and Pétaluma High School (Jesine Mayha Andrade and Alan Sanchez). There was a follow-up comment regarding Yaslene Diaz Culon's departure status.

The meeting included a presentation from Kenilworth Junior High School, which focused on building a sense of community between students and staff. Petaluma Junior High also gave a presentation, sharing their goal of cultivating a school environment where every student feels connected and supported by a trusted adult, aiming to elevate academic achievement. The board also recognized Students of the Month from various schools, including Kenilworth Junior High, Petaluma Junior High, Casa Grande, and Petaluma High, as well as Students of the Semester from the DLI Academy, PAX, and Valley Vista Public Waldorf. Public comments were taken on non-agendized items, including concerns about a book used in the curriculum.

The board of education convened a study session to discuss budget reductions for the upcoming year. The discussion included the elimination of one-time funded positions, adjustments to parcel tax contributions, potential salary freezes for cabinet members, and restructuring alternative education programs. Additional topics included field trip and athletics funding, furlow days for staff, class size increases, and modifications to the seven-period bell schedule. The board also considered options such as reviewing district-wide subscriptions, reducing custodial time, and adjusting the 1:1 technology model. They explored rebudgeting restricted resources and staffing considerations like converting certain positions to lower-cost classifications. The board addressed and dismissed the viability of selling property and reconfiguring the food service program.

The meeting included a special recognition report, featuring the introduction of Dana Zapanta as the new certificated coordinator for special services. The board also recognized students of the month from various schools, including Kennallorth Junior High, Here Junior High, Pedal Lima Junior High, Kasa Grande, Kataluma High School, and Snow Mountain High School, celebrating their achievements and contributions.