Tensions were high and the room was silent as the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) board members reviewed selected classified and certificated staff positions listed for potential termination. The weeks leading up to the Feb. 10 meeting were filled with strong negative community opinions on social media, union protests and discussion within the VUSD community. After the Feb. 24 board meeting, which featured a statement by VUSD board trustee Calvin Peterson before public comment, some VUSD staff, students and community members were left even more confused, frustrated and motivated to make a change.
Board Meeting 1: February 10, 2026
The meeting on Feb. 10 drew large numbers of audience members, filling up the main room and overflow room. More than 60 individuals signed up to speak during public comment, with each person getting three minutes to share their views about budgeting difficulties, salary inequities and the importance of job positions that were being put to vote to potentially eliminate in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
“I appreciate that the cuts this year are not as draconian as last year,” Buena teacher Andrew Coates said during public comment. “However, any good faith gained has been negated by these proposals [of eliminating positions].”…