Petaluma City Schools is moving forward with $6 million in budget cuts, sparking an emotional plea from the community to spare San Antonio High School.
The Petaluma Argus-Courier reports at a recent board meeting, staff and alumni called the alternative school a “last hope” for students. While Superintendent Matthew Harris says no school closures are currently planned, the district is restructuring alternative education to save $663,000.
The plan includes significant staffing reductions for counselors, administrators, and custodians, while leaving Valley Oaks independent study with just one high school teacher. District leaders argue the shift will allow for earlier intervention in middle school, but families fear the cuts will erode the one-on-one support that keeps students from dropping out.
A formal reevaluation of all programs is set to begin this October.
