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Superintendent Message: Anticipated Budget Challenges and Staff Reductions
Marieanne Quiroz

The following message was sent to all families on 1.30.25

Dear VUSD Families,

I want to share important information regarding our school district’s anticipated staff reductions and the steps we are taking to address upcoming budget challenges while keeping our focus on improved student outcomes and student success. Over the past few years, our district has received one-time federal and state funds that provided crucial support intended to address significant student needs resulting from COVID. Unfortunately, although these temporary funds have run out, we continue to face the challenges of residual learning loss, ongoing declining enrollment, and the need to maintain and improve competitive salaries for staff.

To help with these challenges, the District has taken several actions over the past few years to reduce budget limitations which have included retirement incentives, energy savings initiatives, grant awards, reduction in central office positions, and seeking a parcel tax extension. While this has helped, more needs to be done.

Despite these challenges, our school board and district administration remain steadfast in their commitment to:

  1. Advancing Literacy Initiatives: Ensuring every student has the skills and support they need to succeed.
  2. Improving Outcomes for Our Highest-Need Students: Providing targeted resources and programs to close achievement gaps. This includes exploring new mental health delivery models to extend the benefits of access to the district’s expanded mental health initiatives.
  3. Offering a Variety of Academic Options at the High School Level: Preserving a wide range of opportunities for student exploration and growth.
  4. Maintaining and Expanding Inclusive Practices for Students with Disabilities: Continuing middle school and high school co-teaching models and growing elementary inclusive models, beginning with transitional kindergarten through 1st grade.
  5. Exploring Educator Workforce Housing Options: Seeking solutions to support VUSD staff struggling with the cost of affordable housing.

 

Looking ahead, we are hopeful that new funding and cost-saving measures, that are planned, will help further reduce the financial stress in the 2026-27 school year.  Our goal is to keep our district stable long-term while focusing on what students need most.

We understand that these staff reductions may raise concerns, and we will maintain open lines of communication throughout this process. Please know that these decisions are not made lightly and are guided by our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students.

Your support and partnership are invaluable as we navigate this challenging time together. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to call, email me, or attend our upcoming school board meetings.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our schools and our VUSD community.

Respectfully,

 

Dr. Antonio Castro

Superintendent

 

Superintendent, Dr. Antonio Castro, Antonio.Castro@venturausd.org

Board President, Calvin Peterson, Calvin.Peterson@venturausd.org

Board Vice-President, James Forsythe, James.Forsythe@venturausd.org

Board Trustee, Sabrena Rodriguez, Sabrena.Rodriguez@venturausd.org

Board Trustee, Shannon Trani Fredericks, Shannon.Fredericks@venturausd.org

Board Trustee, Dr. Gerald Dannenberg, Jerry.Dannenberg@venturausd.org

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Norovirus Information and Guidance
Marieanne Quiroz

The following message was sent to VUSD staff and families on Jan. 29, 2025.

Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) has asked us to share some important information with you. VCPH  has seen an increase in various illnesses this Winter. One of those illnesses is Norovirus. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. The virus can spread quickly from person to person in places such as schools and childcare centers. Handwashing with soap and water is the preferred method to reduce the spread of germs as hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus. Please remember to always wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom.
The most common symptoms of norovirus are:

  • Nausea and/or Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach Cramps

Other symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Body Ache

We are working closely with VCPH and following their recommended guidance. At this time, any student/staff experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should stay home and should not participate in group activities or in school for a minimum of 48 hours after symptoms have ended. For example, if student/staff last vomited at noon on Tuesday, they should not return to school until Friday. 


Please report any gastrointestinal illness to your school site’s Health Office so they may assist you in determining when to return to school.
 
Thank you for assisting us in keeping all students and staff healthy.
 
VUSD Health Services

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Message from Superintendent re: Immigration Officials on School Campuses
Marieanne Quiroz

The following message was recently sent to staff and families in the VUSD Connections Newsletter. 

Dear Ventura Unified School District Families,

District staff recently received multiple inquiries regarding the federal government’s proposed actions to use Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enforce immigration laws on school grounds. We want to reassure you that Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) is committed to fostering safe and supportive learning environments for all students, including those who are immigrants or come from immigrant families.


It is important to know that students, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution and state law. In California public schools, the law requires us to uphold the following:

  • Non-Discrimination
    • All students, including those who are undocumented or come from immigrant families, have the right to receive a quality education free from discrimination and participate in school activities.
  • Safe School Environment
    • Schools are prohibited from voluntarily allowing immigration enforcement officers to access campus without a federal court warrant or subpoena. Additionally, schools cannot request Social Security numbers or ask about the citizenship or immigration status of students or their parents/guardians unless explicitly required by law.
  • Confidentiality of Student Information
    • We are required to protect the privacy of our students. Schools cannot share personal information about students or their family members for immigration enforcement purposes without a federal court warrant or subpoena.

Our schools must remain safe places for children to learn and for educators to teach. Under current state law, school officials are required to allow immigration agents to enter campuses with a federal court warrant or subpoena issued by a judge or magistrate.

If an immigration officer approaches any staff or student during school hours or on campus, they will be directed to the school principal or front office to address their request. Such actions can be traumatic not only for involved individuals but also for students and staff who witness these events.

If an immigration officer requests to speak with or detain a student while at school, we will notify the student’s parent or guardian immediately. Unless there is a court order or judicial subpoena, we will not provide access to the student while on campus.

We encourage families to explore resources on the Ventura County Office of Education’s Educational Rights webpage: https://www.vcoe.org/rights. While reviewing all the information is beneficial, families may also find the following resources helpful.

 

Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and supportive environment for every child in our district. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school’s principal or the Educational Services department at the district office.

Sincerely,

Dr. Antonio Castro
Superintendent