VENTURA : School Board Cuts 2 Administrative Jobs

The Ventura Unified School District governing board decided Tuesday night to eliminate two administrative positions.

At its last meeting, due to pressure by parents and students, the board voted to cut 12 positions but to temporarily hold off cutting three others. Those were an assistant vice principal at each of the district’s two high schools and the director of pupil personnel services.

In the intervening two weeks, parents recommended reducing the number of days administrators work and cutting other positions that they consider to be less crucial to students. Other suggestions included smaller travel, conference and car allowances.

However, the board voted unanimously to stick to its original plan to eliminate the vice principal positions, saying the parent suggestions didn’t save them enough money.

The resignation of an unidentified administrator, however, allowed the board to save the third position Tuesday. The board added new responsibilities to the job, redefining the position as director of pupil personnel and health services.

The cuts are being made by the district to balance the $58-million 1990-91 budget. Until the governor signs the final state budget this summer, it is not known how large a cost-of-living adjustment will be granted to employees.

The district has been estimating an increase of 4.2%, which would amount to a budget deficit of $1.2 million. If the state allocates less, which, according to preliminary remarks by the governor’s office, seems likely, the district will have to make deeper cuts.