At a Special Meeting held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education approved the members of the School Closures Advisory Committee, marking an important next step in the District’s data-based and community-centered process to evaluate whether any school sites should be considered for closure as early as the 2027–2028 school year.

The School Closures Advisory Committee was formed to study enrollment trends, review established criteria, analyze relevant data, and ultimately provide a recommendation to the Board of Education. The committee does not make final decisions. Any decision regarding school closures would be made by the Board at a public meeting.

Committee members were selected based on staff recommendations and represent a broad range of perspectives, including local homeowners and renters, current VUSD high school students, parents and guardians, certificated and classified staff, business owners, school site administrators, and individuals with relevant professional expertise. Members reflect diverse backgrounds, experiences, and geographic areas across the City of Ventura.

School Closures Advisory Committee Members:
Stephanie Caldwell, Sara Cameron, Maruja Clensay, Kevin Corse, Jorge DeLeon, Evaristo Escoto, Oscar Gomez, Kathryn Heller, Kevin Herrera, Kristin Ippolito, Melanie Lindsey, Sandy Lomeli Harrison, Peggy Maryanski, Sarah McLaughlin (VUEA President), Kathlyn Mundo-Graffa, Jeanette Park, Carol Peek (VESPA President), Andrea Rodriguez, Sydney Traub, Emmanuel Velazquez, Annette Walters, Monica West, Stacey Whitaker

Alternates:
Antonia Badone, Amy Coccia, Monique Cybulski, Jenny Makosky, Candace Schmidt

The School Closures Advisory Committee is expected to begin meeting in March 2026, meet monthly, and bring a recommendation to the Board by October 2026. Even if the Board were to approve any school closures, no school would close before the 2027–2028 school year.

For several years, VUSD has closely monitored enrollment trends to see whether post-COVID declines might stabilize. However, enrollment continues to decline by approximately 300 students per year. Regional data also shows sustained decreases in birth rates, fewer families moving into the area due to the high cost of living, and an aging population. Together, these trends require the District to carefully assess how many school sites are needed to best serve current and future students.

Many VUSD schools are operating below their intended capacity. Maintaining underutilized campuses requires resources that could otherwise be invested directly in classrooms, student programs, and learning opportunities. As stewards of public funds, the District has a responsibility to thoughtfully review how resources are allocated while remaining focused on student success.

All committee meetings will be conducted in accordance with the Brown Act. Meetings will be open to the public, and materials reviewed by the committee will be posted on the District website. There will be meaningful opportunities for staff, students, families, and community members to share questions and feedback throughout the process.

“Our community’s trust matters, especially during conversations like this,” said Marieanne Quiroz, Director of Communications and Public Information Officer for Ventura Unified School District. “We are committed to openness, making information accessible, and ensuring our students, families, and staff understand how this process is unfolding.”

Families and community members are encouraged to learn more about the purpose of the School Closures Advisory Committee and how the committee will approach its work by watching Budget Bites, Episode 4, where Superintendent Dr. Antonio Castro outlines the process. Additional information, meeting updates, and resources are available on the School Closures Advisory Committee webpage.

Community members are encouraged to:
• Visit the School Closures Advisory Committee webpage: www.venturausd.org/about/committees/school-closure-commitee
• Follow VUSD on Facebook and Instagram for updates
• Read updates in the monthly VUSD Connections Newsletter
• Attend School Closures Advisory Committee meetings
• Share questions or feedback by emailing VUSDSchoolsCommittee@venturausd.org

The Ventura Unified School District appreciates the community’s partnership as this thoughtful, data-driven, and transparent process continues.