LVJUSD Could Close Down 2 Elementary Schools, Postpones Votes For Over $16M In Cuts

LIVERMORE, CA — The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District voted unanimously Tuesday to postpone a vote to cut $16.3 million over the next two years, a decision that could result in the closure of two unnamed elementary schools and over 100 classified positions.

At the same meeting, the board also voted 4-0 – with Trustee Deena Kaplanis abstaining – to approve a $13 million tentative labor agreement with the Livermore Education Association, an agreement containing a “me too” clause that secures the same compensation adjustments for the district’s other unions. Board members voted to table the cuts because they felt it would be unfair for the district to approve raises the same night it votes on painful cuts.

Still, the board has until Feb. 10 to formally approve cuts for the 2026-27 school year. The cuts include $14.8 million in ongoing cuts for the 2026-27 school year, and $1.5 million for the following year.

The emotional, standing-room-only meeting was packed with parents, students, and district employees, who advocated passionately against the cuts. Second grade parent JuNelle Harris called the proposed cuts “insulting and an abuse of trust to the community,” and argued that not enough data has been presented to make a clear decision.

“Why are we threatening their security, their education?” asked parent Daniel Nenni.

Junction Avenue PTA President Jen Valley said that the district did not provide families with clear communication on the proposed cuts. “When communication isn’t clear, rumors fill the gaps, neighbors turn on each other, staff feels disposable and parents worry in silence.”

Several district employees also spoke out against the cuts, particularly the proposed elimination or reduction of over 100 full-time classified positions like operations and maintenance, library staff, and early intervention social-emotional learning programs.

“We are the people who are the backbones to this district,”said Veronica Torres, an executive assistant to the principal at the Junction Avenue K-8 School. “In my 30 years, I have never experienced the fear, the morale, the worries that I have seen in the last three weeks in this district. As a parent and as a grandparent, I’m worried about the future of our students.”

“It is obvious that the district does not understand that CSEA classified employees are the backbone of this district,” California Service Employees Association President Mamie Kristovich said. “These unconscionable cuts will cripple students’ learning.”

Board members were equally critical. Board President Steven Drouin accused Superintendent Tori Gibson of seeking “minimal” input. “This feels like a rush job to move on and get done with.” Trustee Christiaan VandenHeuvel said that Gibson should decide which cuts to prioritize rather than the board. “Our superintendent and staff are capable of making some difficult decisions,” he said, which the crowd booed.

The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District has said it is too early to comment on specific proposals. However, the district presented a resolution affirming that the board has a "fiduciary duty to meet its financial obligations” and must approve a plan of reductions by Feb. 10. The board did not make any motion to approve the resolution.

See here to watch Tuesday’s meeting.

SEE ALSO:

• Dublin Education Alliance Hopes To Alleviate Budget Cuts
• SRVUSD Teachers Rally Against Proposed Staff Cuts