News & Updates

Impasse has been declared in negotiations between representatives of the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) and its bargaining unit partners, the Ventura Education Support Professionals Association (VESPA) and the Ventura Unified Education Association (VUEA).

After months of negotiation sessions, summaries of which are on our 2025-2026 Negotiations webpage, impasse was declared by all parties (VUSD, VUEA and VESPA) on May 7, 2026, when the gap between the parties could not be bridged through continued discussion. The matter will now move to mediation where a neutral third-party mediator will be appointed by the California Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), a neutral third party that will help guide conversations toward a solution.

Negotiators representing the Ventura Unifies School District and VUEA and VESPA have reached tentative agreements on all issues except total compensation (both VUEA and VESPA) and Article 19 (LAYOFF, REEMPLOYMENT, AND EFFECTS RELATED THERETO) for VESPA.

“The impasse process calls for mediation with a neutral party, and we are committed to working through this process towards our goal of reaching an agreement, because that is what is best for our students,” said Marieanne Quiroz, Public Information Officer.

The District’s last proposal includes a 2% salary increase for all employees, along with the implementation of a cost-sharing model that includes no cost options, for health and welfare benefits beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The unions’ counterproposal is to maintain the current structure, with no salary increase and no employee cost-sharing for health and welfare benefits.  

“Our Board believes our employees deserve compensation that allows them to live in the community where they work and we continue to be committed to moving in that direction,” said Quiroz.  “Beyond salary, we are actively exploring affordable workforce housing on surplus District property, a plan our Board has dedicated significant time and resources to developing.”

The District also faces ongoing financial pressures, including declining enrollment driven by lower birth rates, which reduces state funding, along with rising costs for transportation, food, and benefits that have outpaced state and federal revenue.

“We believe public education should be fully funded so that situations like these can be avoided,” said Dr. Antonio Castro, Superintendent. “We need to work together, locally to resolve our current budgetary issues and long-term at the state and federal level.  Working together we can continue moving the needle on compensation while also ensuring the fiscal stability of this district for the students in our classrooms today and tomorrow.”

Impasse does not mean negotiations have ended. The District remains focused on reaching a fair, sustainable agreement through the mediation process, with students at the center of every decision.

For more information, visit the District’s Negotiations 2025-26 webpage, https://www.venturausd.org/staff-careers/negotiations-25-26 .

Media Contact
Marieanne Quiroz
Public Information Officer
marieanne.quiroz@venturausd.org

 

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) is proud to announce the meaningful role its students are playing in the inaugural Jackalope Block Party Ventura, a free three-day action sports and community festival taking place May 1-3 at the intersection of California and Main Streets in Downtown Ventura. From the ramps beneath the pros’ wheels to the hand-painted skate decks on display, VUSD students helped to beautify this landmark event.

Eighteen students enrolled in the woodshop program at Buena High School, under the instruction of woodshop teacher Scott Manninen, constructed a ramp that will serve as the centerpiece of a free skate jam session along California Street, just steps from the main festival action.. Working alongside Manninen’s class, students in teacher Mrs. Rapattoni’s art class painted the Ventura logo onto the finished structure. The ramp was designed by Jusin Lind, a design engineer at Skate One Corporation, a Ventura-based skateboard company, who handed off the construction to the Buena High students.

"I love how much of an interest the city of Ventura and Visit Ventura have taken in skateboarding. I'm also honored to contribute. As a skater my whole life, I've always been building ramps, but I've never designed them with formal drawings or for such a large audience. It was a fun process for me and felt extra special knowing that it gave a group of students the opportunity to build something that hundreds will skate and thousands of people will see." - Justin Lind, Design Engineer, Skate One Corporation.

Students learned to read blueprints, applied construction techniques, and practiced teamwork throughout the build process, skills that translated directly from the classroom to a real, public-facing structure. Manninen says the highlight of the project came up when the ramp was finished and a student put it to the test.

"We discussed the design with Justin and Andy from Skate One, they drew up the plans and they handed them off to us to build. The students learned blueprint reading, construction techniques, and teamwork and they really enjoyed the process. The standout moment was when students and others skated it and showed us what could be done on it. That was cool. For me as an educator, it's important for students to take part in projects like this because it's much bigger than themselves and their world. Hopefully, the students will go see it at the event and maybe even take a crack at skating it themselves” -Scott Manninen, Wooshop Instructor, Buena High School.

Manninen noted that he and his students are rooting for the ramp to travel with the Jackalope crew to future cities as the series continues to grow.

Beyond the ramp, 100 skateboard decks, donated by Skate One Corporation, at an estimated value of $3000 were distributed across eight VUSD secondary schools: Ventura High School, Foothill Technology High School, Buena High School, Pacific High School, DATA Middle School, Anacapa Middle School, Balboa Middle School, and Cabrillo Middle School. Students decorated the decks through a variety of formats, individual student applications, and classroom programs, resulting in a vibrant, one-of-a-kind collection that will be displayed prominently at the Jackalope main stage area.

The skateboard deck art project grew out of a conversation initiated by Visit Ventura President & CEO Marlyss Auster in the fall of 2025, who approached VUSD Board Trustee Sabrena Rodriguez with the vision of weaving local student artists into the Jackalope experience.

"This is what Ventura is all about: bringing our community together and creating opportunities for everyone to get involved. Seeing our local students get creative and practice their craftsmanship on something this visible and meaningful is incredibly special. These aren’t just projects; they’re experiences that will inspire pride, spark passion, and leave a lasting mark on our community.” -Marlyss Auster, President & CEO, Visit Ventura

Adding another layer of connection, the VUSD Student Art Show will open the same weekend, with an opening reception on Friday, May 1 at the Vita Arts Center, 28 W. Main St. Ventura. The opening reception will be held in two sessions, elementary and middle school artists from 4-5:30pm and high school from 5:30-7 pm. Artwork will remain on display through May 3, with many pieces available for purchase. The decorated Jackalope skate decks created by VUSD students through Vita’s teen art program will be part of this shared exhibition, linking the downtown festival to the gallery experience.

“This partnership is a wonderful example of how art can connect students to the larger community. We’re proud that Vita's teen art program could contribute to an installation that highlights the creativity of Ventura Unified students and creates a shared experience between the Jackalope event and the districtwide student exhibition at Vita Art Center.”- Mary Perez, President & Founding Director, Vita Art Center

The Jackalope Block Party is free and open to the public, featuring elite vert ramp competition, live DJ sets, pop-up shops, and activities for all ages, marking the first West Coast stop in the Jackalope series. Riders will compete for $22,000 in prize money, split equally between male and female athletes. Families are encouraged to attend both the festival and the VUSD Student Art Show. Together, they represent a rare weekend in which Ventura students are not just spectators, but genuine contributors to the community stage.

For more information about the Jackalope Block Party Ventura, visit www.visitventuraca.com/jackalope/.

School Closures Advisory Committee Continues Review of Enrollment and School Capacity

At its second meeting on April 23, 2026, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) School Closures Advisory Committee continued its work to better understand how declining enrollment is impacting schools across the district. The committee reviewed updated data and began a detailed evaluation process for each school site.

Reviewing Enrollment and Capacity

The committee examined current and projected enrollment trends, which show a continued decline over time. District enrollment is projected to reach approximately 12,600 students by the 2031–32 school year.

Members also reviewed school capacity across the district. This included:

• Permanent classroom capacity (brick-and-mortar buildings)
• Total capacity, which includes both permanent buildings and portable classrooms

The data shows that many schools are currently operating below capacity, with some sites significantly underutilized.

Looking at School-Specific Data

To better understand each campus, the committee reviewed detailed information for every school, including:

• Enrollment projections
• Student transfer patterns
• Demographic data
• The impact of housing trends and birth rates

This information is helping the committee build a comprehensive picture of how each school is being used today and what future needs may look like.

Scoring and Ranking Process Begins

During this meeting, the committee worked through six evaluation criteria used to assess each school site. Members:

• Reviewed each criterion in detail
• Discussed the data as a group
• Reached consensus on scores and rankings for each school in each category

These scores and rankings are included in the official meeting materials.

A Process Still in Progress

This work is part of a multi-step process. The committee will continue evaluating schools across additional criteria in future meetings.

No decisions have been made. As previously shared, Buena High School and Ventura High School are not being considered for closure. All other schools remain under review as part of this process.

What’s Next

The committee will continue gathering information to inform its work:

• Meeting 3: The Facilities team will present how spaces are currently used at each campus, including classroom use and overall site functionality.
• Meeting 4: Educational Services will present on programs offered at each school, including specialized programs, and whether those programs could realistically be relocated if needed.

Meeting materials, including agendas and supporting documents, are available on the School Closures Advisory Committee webpage, . 

The Education Magazine just named Ventura Unified School District one of the 10 Most Admired School Districts.  Here is thier story:

Public schools often reflect the communities they serve. As neighborhoods change, classrooms shift with them, carrying new expectations, new challenges, and new opportunities. In coastal cities, that connection can feel even closer, where schools sit at the center of daily life and community identity.

Along the California coast, that relationship has shaped the journey of the Ventura Unified School District. What began as a local effort to provide foundational education has developed into a system focused on preparing students for life beyond graduation.

Over time, the district has adapted to shifting demands in education. Academic programs have been strengthened to support higher graduation outcomes, while new pathways have been introduced to help students explore career interests earlier. Classrooms have incorporated technology in ways that support both teaching and learning, and partnerships with local organizations and businesses have added practical opportunities beyond school walls.

This work revolves around a clear sense of purpose. The district aims to provide high-quality instruction within environments where students feel supported and encouraged to grow. Its vision reflects that focus, emphasizing an education that is both balanced and meaningful, one that fosters curiosity and a lasting interest in learning.

Even as programs evolve, one idea remains consistent. Strong public schools contribute directly to the strength of a community, shaping not only individual futures but the character of the place itself.

A District Designed to Support Every Stage of Learning

Education within a public school system often unfolds across many campuses, each serving a different stage of a student’s journey. In Ventura, that structure is designed to guide students from their earliest classroom experiences through graduation and into adulthood.

The district serves learners from transitional kindergarten through adult education. Its network includes fourteen elementary schools serving TK through grade five, three TK–8 schools, and four comprehensive middle schools for grades six through eight. At the secondary level, five high schools, including alternative programs and a Middle College option in partnership with Ventura College, provide pathways that reflect different academic and career goals. Additional offerings such as Adult and Career Education, the Homestead independent study program, and the Jumpstart Early Education program extend support beyond traditional models.

These schools serve families across Ventura and nearby communities along California’s Central Coast. While each campus reflects its local neighborhood, they remain connected through shared priorities and district-wide programs.

This structure creates continuity. Students move through a system that supports early curiosity, builds academic strength, and opens opportunities for both college and career pathways as they progress.

Learning Pathways from Early Curiosity to Career Readiness

The academic journey within the district begins with a clear focus on building strong foundations and gradually opens into a wide range of choices as students grow.

In the early years, classrooms center on literacy, mathematics, and critical thinking. Students learn through hands-on activities that encourage curiosity and collaboration. Programs such as project-based learning and Leader in Me introduce leadership and confidence at an early stage, while STEAM exposure connects students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Transitional kindergarten has recently been added across all elementary schools, along with expanded after-school learning opportunities.

As students move into middle school, the focus shifts toward exploration and independence. Core academic subjects remain rigorous, while electives such as music, robotics, art, and technology allow students to discover new interests. Schools have also expanded after-school athletics, including sports like basketball, soccer, and cross-country, helping students stay engaged and connected.

High school brings a broader set of academic and career options. Students can enroll in Advanced Placement courses, honors classes, and dual enrollment programs with local colleges. Career Technical Education pathways introduce fields such as healthcare, environmental studies, biotechnology, and software development. Alternative programs ensure that different learning needs are supported, while graduation outcomes remain strong, with recent rates reaching over 97 percent.

Leadership Focused on Students and Community

The direction of a school district often reflects the priorities of its leadership. At Ventura, that focus remains closely tied to students, families, and the broader community they are part of.

Superintendent Dr. Antonio Castro emphasizes the role public education plays in shaping both individual futures and the community as a whole. His message centers on what happens inside classrooms each day and the collective effort behind it. “Our schools are places where students discover their strengths, develop their talents, and build the foundation for their future,” he says.

That perspective extends beyond instruction. It reflects a shared commitment among educators, families, and community members who support students throughout their journey.

For those considering the district, the approach is straightforward. Students are expected to grow, challenged to improve, and supported along the way, creating an environment where they can move forward with confidence and purpose.

What Excellence Looks Like in Practice

Inside classrooms across the district, the idea of excellence shows up in everyday moments. It appears in how students engage with their work, how they communicate their ideas, and how connected they feel to the teachers and staff around them. Academic results matter, but they are only one part of a broader picture.

Attendance offers one clear signal. The district maintains an average daily attendance rate of about 95 percent and has been recognized as a 2026 Model School Attendance Review Board recipient by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. These numbers reflect a level of consistency in student participation.

Planning across the district follows a focused set of priorities. Classrooms are expected to deliver strong instruction, supported by safe environments where students feel comfortable learning. Schools work closely with families and community partners, while access to programs remains a central consideration. Preparation for college, career, and civic life runs through each of these efforts.

Progress is tracked carefully, but the aim remains straightforward. Students should leave school prepared to think clearly, communicate effectively, and take responsibility for their next steps.

Supporting Every Student, Every Way They Learn

Classrooms rarely look the same from one student to the next. Different experiences, languages, and ways of learning shape how students engage with school. That variety is treated as a starting point for how support is designed at Ventura.

Students are encouraged to approach learning with curiosity and flexibility, whether through discussion, problem-solving, or creative work. For those developing English proficiency, dedicated programs help build language skills while keeping pace with academic expectations. Special education services provide another layer of support, including co-taught classrooms where general and special education teachers work together to meet individual needs.

Attention to learning also extends beyond academics. Middle and high school campuses include Wellness Centers staffed by counselors who offer guidance, mental health support, and practical strategies for managing stress and building resilience. These spaces give students a place to pause and reset when needed.

Student-led clubs add to that sense of connection, bringing together peers with shared interests and backgrounds. In these settings, students find both community and confidence as they move through their school experience.

Where Community Becomes Part of the Classroom

A student’s experience rarely stays within school walls. In Ventura, learning often continues through the people and organizations that surround it. That connection shapes how the district approaches partnerships.

Local businesses and civic groups are not brought in as occasional contributors. They are involved in shaping what students learn and how they prepare for what comes next. This is most visible through the district’s Industry Advisory Board, a large group of professionals from across Ventura County who provide direct input on programs and emerging workforce needs. Their involvement keeps coursework relevant and grounded in current practice.

Students benefit from that connection in practical ways. Internships, mentorships, and project-based experiences introduce them to real work settings while they are still in school. These are not add-ons. They become part of how students begin to understand their interests and options.

Community organizations also play a steady role. Groups such as the Ventura Education Partnership and local foundations support classrooms through grants, scholarships, and enrichment programs.

What emerges is a system where school and community move in step, giving students both exposure and support as they plan their future.

A School Experience That Extends Beyond the Classroom

Life across campuses in the Ventura Unified School District carries a rhythm that goes beyond academics. Once the school day ends, hallways, fields, and auditoriums continue to fill with activity as students turn to interests that shape their time in different ways.

Clubs and student organizations offer a wide range of choices. Some students find their place in music, theatre, or visual arts, while others take part in robotics, e-sports, debate, Model United Nations, or student leadership groups. These spaces allow students to explore interests, work with peers, and take on responsibilities outside the classroom.

The arts hold a visible place within the district. Performances, concerts, and exhibitions take place throughout the year, including the Annual All Student Art Show, where selected students present their work in a local gallery setting. For some, this becomes a first experience of sharing and even selling their work to a wider audience.

Athletics follow a similar path of early involvement and steady growth. Students begin with elementary cross-country and move into middle and high school sports programs. At the high school level, teams regularly compete for league titles and championships, with recent seasons bringing notable achievements that draw strong community support.

After-school programs such as OCEAN extend the day further, offering structured time for learning, creativity, and connection.

How the District Operates Behind the Scenes

A school system of this scale depends on coordination that often goes unnoticed in daily classroom life. At Ventura, that structure is built around shared responsibility across leadership and specialized departments.

The Superintendent and Board of Education guide overall direction, setting policies and priorities that shape how schools function and improve over time. Their role connects long-term planning with the needs seen across campuses.

Day-to-day operations are supported through several key departments. Educational Services focuses on curriculum and instruction, while Student Support Services addresses areas such as well-being and additional student needs. Business Services and Human Resources manage financial planning and staffing, ensuring schools have the resources required to operate effectively. Facilities and Bond Programs oversee campus development and maintenance, and Technology Services supports the systems that keep classrooms connected and running smoothly.

These teams work in coordination rather than in isolation. Their combined efforts help schools remain organized, supported, and prepared to meet the needs of students and staff throughout the district.

Making Opportunity Real for Every Student

Not every student starts from the same place. Some need added support to stay on track, and how that support is provided makes a real difference. Resources in the district are directed with that reality in mind. Funding is used carefully to support students with greater needs, ensuring they have access to the programs and guidance required to move forward in their studies.

Targeted services focus on students facing specific challenges. Support is available for those experiencing homelessness, students in foster care, and English language learners. These programs are designed to provide both academic assistance and a sense of stability, helping students remain engaged in school.

Equally important is the environment within each campus. Schools work to create spaces where students feel respected and included, allowing them to take part fully in learning and school life. When that sense of belonging is present, students are better positioned to succeed.

Support That Guides Students Forward

Beyond academics, students rely on guidance that helps them plan and grow with confidence. At Ventura, counselors work closely with students on course planning, college preparation, and career exploration. Mentorship programs, internships, and college readiness initiatives give students a clearer sense of direction as they consider future paths.

Support also extends to wellbeing. Counselors, psychologists, and social workers provide access to mental health resources and social-emotional guidance. These services help students manage challenges, stay focused, and remain connected to their goals as they move through school.

Planning for What Comes Next

Looking ahead, the focus remains on strengthening opportunities while responding to the realities facing public education today. Within the district, future plans are shaped by both growth and careful planning. Ventura Unified remains committed to restructuring in ways that ensure all students, now and in the future, can benefit from strong programs and resources.

Efforts are underway to expand career pathways and increase dual enrollment options with local colleges, giving students more flexibility as they prepare for life after graduation. Facility improvements, supported by a local bond measure, aim to create spaces that better support teaching and learning. Partnerships with community organizations and local industries continue to grow, adding practical experience to academic programs.

At the same time, the district is addressing declining enrollment and financial pressures seen across California. Adjustments are being made thoughtfully, including the consolidation of programs when needed, to ensure resources are used effectively.

The focus remains steady. Keep programs strong, maintain access for students, and continue building a system that supports learning over the long term.

https://www.theeducationmagazine.com/the-10-most-admired-school-districts-2026-5/

The Ventura Unified School District Board of Education recently took action at a Special Board of Education meeting held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, regarding three surplus properties: the Jewett Estate, Avenue School site, and Washington School site. After years of open discussions in Regular Board of Education meetings about these properties, and after reviewing proposals and listening to public comments for each location across multiple meetings, the Board identified entities to move forward with in the negotiation process.

Jewett Estate

The Board reviewed three proposals submitted for the Jewett Estate, located at Ralston and Beaver Streets in Ventura, near Ventura Community Park and Kimball Road.

The Board voted unanimously, 5-0, to continue negotiations with Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation  based on their proposal.

Avenue School Site

The Board reviewed eight proposals for the Avenue School property, located at 2647 North Ventura Avenue.

The Board voted unanimously, 5-0, to continue negotiations with Ventura Housing.

Washington School Site

The Board reviewed seven proposals for the Washington School property, located at 96 MacMillan Avenue in Ventura.

The Board voted 4-1, with Trustee Fredericks voting no, to continue negotiations with City Ventures.

Next Steps

The District will now enter into negotiations with each selected entity to negotiate agreements to be approved by the Board.

Before any agreement is approved, a public hearing will be held. Following the hearing, the proposed agreement will be presented at a regular Board of Education meeting, in open session, for Board action.

If approved, this will conclude the formal negotiation process. While negotiations are ongoing, they remain confidential. Once completed, the proposals from all entities who submitted, will be shared with the community on the District website.

The District will continue to provide updates through Board of Education meetings, press releases, the News and Updates webpage, VUSD Connections newsletters, and social media as we move forward.

Additional Context

The Board’s responsibility is to ensure that District properties are used in ways that best support students and staff, with a primary focus on the needs of the school district.

For several years, the Board of Education has also been exploring opportunities to support workforce housing for employees. Providing more affordable housing options for teachers and staff is one strategy to help recruit and retain high-quality educators.

As part of this effort, the Board continues to evaluate surplus properties as a way to both ease financial pressures and explore opportunities that could benefit District employees and the broader school community. This work will remain a priority as negotiations move forward.

School districts across California and the nation, including Ventura Unified, continue to face financial challenges. Operational costs such as gas, electricity, healthcare, and supplies continue to rise, while schools remain underfunded both at the state and federal level. At the same time, Ventura County has experienced declining birth rates, and families moving out of Ventura County, which results in fewer students enrolling each year in our schools. Based on recent demographic studies presented to the Board, this trend is not expected to reverse in the near future.

Additionally, the cost of living in Ventura County has increased significantly over the past two decades, making it more difficult for families, including VUSD staff, to afford to live in the community.

These factors contribute to broader discussions and action around school funding, including bond measures, parcel tax, staffing adjustments and reductions, use of surplus properties, potential school closures, and long-term planning efforts.