Petaluma school leaders are under pressure to cut more than six million dollars from next year’s budget as pandemic-era funding dries up.
According to the Petaluma Argus-Courier, the Petaluma City Schools Board met last week to weigh a $6.1 million reduction plan that could eliminate several student advisors, nurses, and mental health therapists. Superintendent Matthew Harris says the cuts are ‘not optional’ due to a significant drop in state and federal support.
Dozens of parents and staff attended the marathon session to plead for the protection of student services, including specialized reading and health programs. With no decision reached, the Board has scheduled a special follow-up meeting for next Monday, January 27th, to finalize the cuts.
