To ensure that the Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) youth services not be cut, we insist that the VCUSD board come to a decision to not approve the recommended budget staff reduction list on February 13, 2019.

The recommended VCUSD staff reduction list includes vital staff that provides Mental Health Services, Nutrition Services, services provided for students in TK and elementary grades, who are part of the STEAM programs, and who are part of Business/Accounting services, etc.

According to Solano Youth Voices, an organization that helps youth in Solano County, mental health services for the youth is already lacking.  If the VCUSD board were to decide to cut the Mental Services staff— the Social Workers and School Counselors— from the district, this will be more of a disservice to the youth.

Six FTE School Counselors are on this list to be cut. These are staff that are on the front lines with students in distress, and help students with their pathways to future careers and higher education.

At GT and Associates, we believe many factors are required in order for students to receive an equal opportunity of education in our schools, for this reason, we urge the Vallejo City Unified School Board to consider other options beside approving this recommended budget staff reduction list on February 13, 2019.