Board Backs $2M in Cuts, Eyes November Parcel Tax as Deficit Deepens

The Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) Governing Board navigated a consequential meeting on Feb. 4, steering through a packed house of students, parents, and staff pleading to protect programs — from the leadership class at Acalanes to librarians at every campus — even as the district confirmed it must slash $2 million in ongoing spending. By night's end, the board signaled unanimous intent to ask voters for a new parcel tax, likely in November, offering a potential lifeline for services that won't survive on state funding alone.

• Board directs staff to proceed with $2M in ongoing budget reductions, including cutting 3.0 FTE librarian/TOSA positions districtwide

• All five board members favor a parcel tax on the November 2026 ballot after Measure T fell short of a two-thirds majority last spring

• An estimated 1,500–2,000 students walked out of all four high schools to protest ICE; superintendent affirms First Amendment rights

• 15-plus speakers rally for a third period of Acalanes' leadership program, warning class sizes have ballooned past 50 students

• Turning Point USA chapter at Campolindo sparks heated public comment on free speech, student safety and school values

• Persistent gaps: Black students report lower classroom voice; English learners lag in AP and leadership participation

Why it matters: This is the second straight year of deep cuts for a district whose structural deficit has been papered over by one-time state and federal dollars. Even after $2.2 million in reductions last year, reserves are projected to dip below 8% within two years — a warning zone for a district that prides itself on high-performing schools.