The district is doing the math—but forgetting the humanity. Teachers are the backbone of education, they are more than just line items on a budget sheet. They are mentors, supporters, and guides that students rely on during their most influential years. Without strong teachers in the classroom, students have little motivation to focus on their academics and may struggle to find purpose on campus as well. When cuts have to be made, those reductions should be done in a way that impacts students as little as possible.
EUHSD is choosing to cut the very educators who are integral to a student’s growth, not just academically, but emotionally and socially. Teachers don’t just teach lessons—they help shape students. They inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and foster the confidence students need to navigate high school and beyond. When students walk into a classroom, they’re not just learning about English and history—they’re learning from the teachers who see them, understand them and support them.
The district’s decision to cut teachers also means cutting programs like the agriculture classes at San Pasqual. These programs are more than just extra offerings—they are opportunities for students to discover their passions, explore career paths and develop skills that will last a lifetime.
Much like the experiences that courses like Print & Graphics, Yearbook or our own Musket Media provide, the skills learned in these classes can’t be meaningfully replicated elsewhere. These cuts will hurt students who were just beginning to find their voice, find their passion and find a path for their future.
With over $41 million in reserves, 28% above the legally required minimum holding, the district has the financial resources to avoid drastic cuts to teachers and programs. Instead of immediately cutting teachers who are essential to student success, EUHSD could consider a more thoughtful approach—offering a retirement incentive to those ready to step down, allowing staffing levels to naturally decrease. This would give the district time to address long-term enrollment without robbing current students of the support and guidance they need. Additionally, the salaries made by administrators–often those in a school environment that have the least connection and interaction with students–often double the money made by new teachers. So, if EUHSD wants to cut its costs… Maybe they should be letting go of a few administrators–especially those who haven’t spent time in the classroom for years.
The district claims that declining enrollment leaves them no choice but to cut positions, however, enrollment does not decline so sharply overnight that it requires such drastic measures. The issue is not solely about numbers—it’s about what the district chooses to prioritize. Their course of action suggests that administrators, who already earn comfortable salaries, are more deserving of raises and job security than teachers who make daily sacrifices to support student success. Furthermore, rather than cutting valuable programs and staff, why not make an effort to recruit students to come to our schools. Stop pushing people towards the charter and private schools in our community and make them want to be a part of our schools. We can’t do that if all of the programs that make students love school are gone. EUHSD also doesn’t have to let charter schools operate for free in our community–but they do. Not only do these schools take students away, but resources too.
Dr. Courtney Goode, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, has backed the laying off various teachers–teachers who are someone’s human support system–and seems to have no emotion or empathy towards the consequences of this decision. Dr. Goode is also leaving EUHSD for affluent Marin County, where he won’t have to witness the impacts of these savage cuts. He seems to see these teachers as simple position fillers, rather than actual people.
The focus should not be on cutting the staff that supports students, but on making smart, sustainable choices that uphold the integrity of education. The future of students depends on the people who guide them through the process, not the administrators who manage the budgets in the air-conditioned office. You can’t cut your way to a better future, especially when you’re cutting the people who build it.
