Hello everyone - As we approach 500 signatures from our local community in support of opposing the proposed budget cuts by MHUSD, it is crucial to highlight the recent success of a neighboring district.

The Live Oak Unified School District (Santa Cruz area) faced fiscal challenges and responded with increased pressure, ultimately leading to the resignation of their superintendent. Some of their issues also revolved around a lack of transparency and mismanagement of public funds.

This serves as a reminder of the importance of the Tuesday, April 16 Board Meeting at the District Office. Unfortunately, the district website has not yet been updated with the agenda and speaker card sign-in for the meeting. I will post detailed instructions of speaker card for public comments portion (beginning of the meeting at 6pm to about 7pm) and the Zoom link to call in. Whether you choose to attend or speak in person or via Zoom, your presence matters!

Please consider making a sign/poster to hold up during public comments. Live Oak Unified School District flooded the board meeting with parents and teachers holding up various signs. Some expressing “Teachers Shape the Future”, “Your Gutting Essential Services” etc.  

Here are some suggested key topics. I recommend focusing on during your public comments. Pick 1-2 topics to expand on given limited time you get (3 min).

• Breakdown of Covid Funds Spending:
  • MHUSD received $9,083,467 per year as Covid relief funds over the last three years.
  • As a community, we urge transparency and request a complete itemized list of spending specifically for this fund.
• Declining Test Scores:
  • Post-Covid, we are witnessing a downward trend in test scores.
  • Nearby districts, including Gilroy Unified, either remained stable or slightly improved.
  • Bakersfield City Unified, which has a surplus of Covid relief funds, demonstrated solid improvement in both math and English.
• Lack of Transparency:
  • During 3-22 not-publicized public board meeting, Dr Garcia performance review was on the agenda. Her contract was extended back in Dec 2023 without publicity from June 2024 to now June 2026 reflecting annual salary of $297,357.
    • Important to note her compensation from 2018-2019 at San Marcos went from base $ 245,000 annual (according to requested public records from parents) to $ 297,357 annual with MHUSD. Nearly 22% increase in the last 3 years while the district was operating on growing deficit.
  • Over the past three years, various community members have requested a breakdown of the “Other Operating Expenditure” category.
  • Additionally, we seek information on all district contracts issued during this period.
• Impact Analysis:
  • Proposed budget cuts at the school level have a ripple effect on the quality of education for our children.
  • As a community, we demand a comprehensive impact assessment to basic quality of education of the proposed budget for 2024-2025.
• Alternative Solutions:
  • Reductions in district high earners including Superintendent, her assistances and all high earning directors.
  • Major cuts to the FACE (Family and Community Engagement) Center.
    • The benefit provided by the FACE Center to the quality of education over the last three years remains unclear. Explore the rationale behind the FACE Center’s existence and evaluate its effectiveness.
    • It is perplexing why general education funds should be allocated to adult school programs such as “brain health and dementia prevention” for TK-12 students.
    • Given the financial challenges, dismantling the program warrants firm consideration.
• Concerns of MHUSD leadership competency in leading our district to success:
  • Superintendent Dr Garcia, assistant superintendent of Human resources, Patrick Sanchez and Dr. Jimenez as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services all with short unsuccessful tenures at their previous districts and roles highlighting a troubling pattern here: Lack of transparency, unethical firing & hiring practices, and glaring lack of accountability.
  • According to released public records – Dr Garcia created hostile work environment back in San Marcos leading to fear of retaliation by employees. Given the rapid firing/hiring key leadership positions in MHUSD, this trend can still hold truth.
• Lack of incorporating parents/community input:
  • Over the past three years, numerous parents and community members in Morgan Hill have expressed valid concerns regarding our middle school students. Unfortunately, MHUSD has consistently disregarded these concerns and the proposed solutions. Specifically, the issue of middle schoolers having to commute to Martin Murphy Middle School in San Jose via bus raises significant safety concerns.
  • This ongoing culture of alienation toward parents has had a detrimental impact, resulting in declining enrollments and subsequently reduced revenue for the district. It is imperative that these issues be addressed promptly to ensure the well-being of our students and foster a more collaborative environment between the district and the community.

Thank you again for your support! Let’s stay engaged, advocate for transparency, and work together for our students education.