The Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) board has voted to cut nearly 160 full-time positions in response to budget shortfalls and declining student enrollment. The decision came after a long and emotional meeting in Watsonville, California, on Thursday night.

School leaders said the cuts were necessary to close a growing budget gap. At the same time, parents, teachers and staff protested that the reductions — especially in areas like special education — would harm vulnerable students.

Breakdown of Jobs Affected

District officials said the layoffs will impact a wide range of positions. The jobs being cut include:

• Elementary school teaching roles
• Middle school teachers
• Counselors
• Mental health clinicians
• Instructional assistants and behavior technicians
• Over 40 special education positions

According to the board resolution, the cuts span both classified staff (such as mental health support workers) and certificated staff (teachers and counselors).

Officials said the board approved the cuts in two separate lists during a marathon session that lasted for several hours. The meeting was described as stormy and emotional by many attendees.

Why the Cuts Were Approved

The district cited a significant drop in enrollment over recent years as a key reason for the layoffs. In staff presentations earlier this week, administrators noted that the district has lost thousands of students since the 2018–19 school year. This decline has resulted in a loss of more than $50 million in revenue, forcing leaders to make difficult budget decisions.

“We are facing a serious budget crisis that threatens the district’s financial solvency,” officials said in a statement before the vote.

While district leaders argue the cuts are financially necessary, teachers and union representatives strongly disagree. They say that reducing frontline staff — including special education support — will hurt student services and academic outcomes.

Community Reaction and Protests

The meeting drew dozens of parents, teachers and students who spoke passionately against the proposed layoffs. Some described the cuts as a threat to the quality of education in the district.

Parents and educators said the changes will disproportionately impact students with the greatest needs, including those requiring specialized instruction and mental health support. Many in the crowd urged the board to find alternatives to cutting classroom and support roles.

Key concerns voiced included:

• Loss of special education positions
• Fewer counselors and mental health clinicians
• Reduced access to support staff for struggling students
• Long-term harm to student achievement and well-being

Opponents also argued that administrative spending should be reviewed before frontline jobs are cut. Some called for transparency about staffing levels and spending priorities.

What’s Next for the District

With the vote complete, the district will now implement the staff reductions in the coming months. The layoffs are expected to take effect in the 2026–27 school year as officials work to align spending with revenue.

District leaders say they will continue to assess enrollment trends and financial projections. They also suggested that some layoffs could be rescinded if additional funding becomes available or if staffing attrition naturally reduces workforce numbers.