Martinez School Board Weighs $2.9M in Cuts as Students, Staff Plead to Protect Counselors

The Martinez Unified School District board spent more than four hours grappling with a proposed $2.9 million budget reduction that could eliminate mental health counselors, a college and career specialist, and bilingual paraeducators—prompting an emotional parade of students, teachers, and parents urging trustees to find another way.

• $2.9M reduction proposal advances with staff directed to refine options targeting ~$2.5M in ongoing cuts

• Dozens of students, parents, and staff urge board to protect Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) counselors, college/career specialist, and bilingual paras

• Board signals interest in trimming travel and conference spending and exploring Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) fund use

• Resolution 2026-11 adopted, establishing tie-breaker criteria for certificated seniority ahead of potential layoffs

Budget Cuts Take Center Stage

Why it matters: The proposed reductions would touch some of the district's most visible student-facing positions at a time when families, educators, and students say mental health and college access supports have never been more critical.

Where things stand: Chief Business Official Andy Cannon presented a $2.9 million reduction proposal driven by declining enrollment, changes to cost-of-living adjustments, expiring one-time funds, and rising special education costs. The board is targeting approximately $2.5 million in ongoing cuts.

A board member framed the district's position as a response to natural attrition or the end of temporary funding:

"There are no reductions to base programs. Most certificated reductions stem from natural attrition, fewer students requiring services, or the conclusion of one time funding sources."

Staff indicated the district is proceeding cautiously given uncertainty in the state budget and potential one-time funds.

The other side: Public comment stretched for more than an hour, with dozens of speakers—including students, teachers, counselors, and parents—urging the board to protect positions that support vulnerable students.

Wendy Murrow, an MTSS counselor, described the comprehensive prevention and intervention work her role, stating eliminating roles like hers "shifts unmet needs elsewhere and increases burnout." Sammy Flansbaum, a teacher, recounted multiple student mental health crises and argued that MTSS counselors and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are essential to school climate. Ryan Hussey, a high school teacher, emphasized that MTSS counselors make difficult-to-quantify but critical contributions and encouraged exploring revenue alternatives instead of cuts.

Benjamin Collins, a student, argued that cutting the college and career specialist undermines the district's stated mission to ensure students are ready for college or careers after graduation. Valeria Gonzalez, also a student, advocated for maintaining bilingual paraeducators and counseling supports, emphasizing representation and access for multilingual students.

Kathryn Hearn, a teacher, questioned the pattern of recurring large cuts each year and urged trustees to shift the discussion toward reserves and revenue strategies.

Union leaders (MEA, CSEA) also expressed concerns about proposed budget reductions and their impact on students and staff.

Decisions: No formal vote was taken. The board directed staff to return with refined options, signaling interest in protecting student-facing positions while reviewing travel and conference cuts and potential use of OPEB funds.

What's next: Staff will bring revised reduction options to a future meeting. The board's signals suggest a close look at administrative and travel spending before finalizing any classroom-facing cuts.

Board Policies Pulled for Revision

Why it matters: Three board policies (BP) were pulled from the consent calendar after trustees raised concerns about language governing negotiations, agenda procedures, and closed session documentation—areas that shape how the board conducts its core business.

Where things stand: Board Member Brenda Leal flagged issues in BP 4000 (personnel and negotiations), BP 9310 (agendizing policies), and BP 9321 (closed session minutes).

"On page 47, the third paragraph from the bottom removes language regarding board adoption of negotiated collective bargaining agreements," Board Member Leal noted, requesting clarity and alignment on policy language.

Decisions: The consent calendar was approved as amended by voice vote, with the three policies pulled for further revision.

What's next: BP 4000, BP 9310, and BP 9321 will return to the board at a future meeting with revised language.

Social Media Policy Presentation

Why it matters: The district is clarifying rules for official social media accounts as schools increasingly use digital platforms to communicate with families.

Where things stand: Staff presented an overview of BP 1114, the district's social media policy and guidelines. The presentation emphasized the distinction between official and unofficial accounts, authorization requirements, and the use of ParentSquare as the primary communication tool.

Decisions: The item was informational only; no board action was recorded.

Seniority Tie-Breaker Resolution Adopted

Why it matters: With budget reductions potentially leading to layoffs, the district must establish clear, legally defensible criteria for determining seniority among certificated employees with identical hire dates.

Decisions: The board adopted Resolution 2026-11 by voice vote, establishing tie-breaker criteria for certificated seniority. The resolution enables HR to proceed with layoff timelines while ensuring consistent seniority tie-breaking.

Minor Items

• Meeting extended to 10:30 p.m. by voice vote after a short recess, reflecting the length of public comment and board discussion on budget reductions.

• Student representative absent; Superintendent Dr. Patrick read updates from school sites.

• SLAM (Alhambra High School) advisor and student leader presented on club activities and plans to rebuild membership.

• PALS Program (John Swett Elementary) teachers described the Program for Academic, Language and Social Development and its supports for students.

• Public comment on curriculum adoption: Kyle Bondarud urged the district not to delay adoption of K–8 math and ELA curricula, citing declining math scores and compliance risks.

What to Watch

The board's next meeting will be pivotal. Staff are expected to return with refined budget reduction options, and trustees have signaled they want to see alternatives to cutting student-facing positions—including a closer look at travel, conferences, and reserve strategies. Meanwhile, the three pulled board policies will need to be resolved before the district can finalize key governance procedures. With layoff timelines looming and the state budget still uncertain, Martinez USD families and staff will be watching closely to see which cuts—if any—ultimately land.