Martinez School Board Weighs $2.5M in Cuts as One-Time Funds Run Dry

The Martinez Unified School District is facing hard choices. At a budget workshop this week, trustees confronted the reality that pandemic-era grants are expiring, enrollment continues to decline, and even $2 million in cuts won't stop the district from spending more than it takes in.

• Superintendent targets $2.5M in reductions to preserve reserves and flexibility ahead of February action.

• Expiring grants threaten counselor positions the district has prioritized for student mental health.

• Trustees push back on cutting crossing guards, citing student safety.

• Board seeks data on counselor utilization before committing to staffing reductions.

• Parent urges district to stop "kicking the can down the road" with one-time funding.

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