By Alexander J. Schorr
Photo: Screenshot of audience members
March 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – Grossmont Union High School District’s board voted 4-1 to fire 49 credentialed teachers, including all high school librarians, despite vocal objections from a large crowd at the Feb. 27 meeting held at El Cajon Valley High School’s multi-purpose room. All seats were filled with protesting students, teachers, classified staff, librarians, and mental health workers.
There were about 600 people present at the facility, with a petition readily available before the meeting for signatures to vote against the resolution ultimately passing. As of February 28 there were 1,531 petition signers.
The board made these drastic cuts even though the district’s reserves are 13.7%, which is 4.5 times the minimum amount required by the state. The board blamed the cuts on declining enrollment, a point disputed by some speakers.
The resolution cuts funding and terminates positions of faculty in the district starting this fall including Assistant Principal / Vice Principals (10), English Teachers (8), French Teachers (1), Home Economics Teachers (1), Library Media Specialists (9), Math Teachers (2), P.E. Teachers (2), Principal-Special Education Academy (1), Program Specialist (2), Psychologists (4), Social Science Teachers (2), Spanish Teachers (2), Special Education Teachers M/M (4), and Theatre Teachers (1).
Additionally, the Grossmont Education Association reports that the GUHSD Governing Board voted to eliminate 61 certificated and classified jobs; the board voted to close Reach Academy and The Child Care Center which teen moms and staff rely upon.
The meeting began at 4:46 p.m.with a pledge of allegiance, and shortly after, Doctor Gary Woods called for a brief five minute recess due to public outburst, and the meeting reconvened at 4:53 p.m.
Photos, right: screenshots of an email detailing the positions to be cut, as well as protestors at the facilityPublic speakers urged the board to protect the positions
There were 90 speaker cards submitted, but the board restricted speakers to two minutes each, with a total of only 40 minutes allowed, so only about 20 members of the public were allowed to speak.
Board President Dr. Gary Woods vacated the room twice for recess as a result of an inability to civilly direct and contain the frustrations and energies of the meeting.
These were some of the comments and statements made by many of those present who were against the Board’s Decision:
James Messina, President of the Grossmont Education Association (GEA), addressed that declining enrollment is not connected to decreasing revenue, as just “last year, we banked a record ending balance of over $100 million.” He stated that “increasing class sizes to 38, the largest in SD county, will not help improve A to G passing rates, will not help students graduate, or decrease suspensions and expulsions! These cuts violate all our LCAP goals. They do not create highly qualified programs… or recruit and retain highly qualified staff.” Messina added that “when a district has a deficit, it saves money through attrition and retirements and then balances again for the next year with fewer employees moving forward. This is what every district does and what Grossmont has done for over 20 years."
Laura Preble, a former high school librarian, stated that “most kids need an adult other than their parents… and that was a lot of what we did in libraries too; making connections with these kids. Connections are the root of education."
Granite Hills High School Site Learning Specialist Gavin Preston went on to say that “the staff cuts, particularly the decision to eliminate all district librarians… is horrifying. Not just because of its impact on students, but because of the complete absence of collaboration or consultation with site administrators and teachers before these decisions were made by a handful of people who do not work with students."
Jay Steiger, a teacher and former candidate for the GUHSD who has chaired the district’s bond oversight committee, said, “There is no need for the layoffs.” He maintained that declining enrollment is not significant enough to be a factor. “Additionally the harm done [last year] to district level special education teacher training and other essential roles has not been rectified,” he said.
Guidance Counselor Susan Lusk stated, "I will not be leaving… I will be one of the counselors. trying to absorb the mess you leave behind for us. If we were to take the numbers of a 30% [cut] it would be like increasing a classroom from 36 students to 47 in one year. That number is devastating. That number is staggering. If it were a classroom, we wouldn’t have enough desks; we wouldn’t even have rooms [that were] big enough to accommodate the desks. My room is not big enough to accommodate this."
Brent Enerva stated: “In my job as a digital learning coach, I was able to work with teachers and help them overcome their fears of technology… until you decided it was best to cut my position."
A former teacher at Granite Hills High School, Rachel McCurry gave her input: “I love libraries… felt proud of you all, not these other fellows… I remember how they treated students… They made me a better teacher."
A student from Monte Vista High School illustrated that according to the school report card at her school, “reading proficiency is down to 44%. Districtwide… proficiency is down to 66%. For those who need a little clarification… out of 100 students, only 66 can read at grade level."
Matthew Norris also spoke. “Every meeting that you’ve had this last month [has been] worse than the previous…I am just blown away by what you do to just gut schools so much… you cut their counselors, their librarians… yet you have these special meetings to hire all these other people, which will cost even more money than the people that you are replacing, so I’m confused: you say… stupid things to justify all the things you do."
Suzanne Sanwald, a West Hills High School Librarian, spoke as well.She referenced cuts the board members have made in the past. The first time she spoke was “In support of our LGBTQ students.” Additionally, the next time she spoke on behalf of the ED service team that was eliminated. “I worked closely with them and knew what a devastating loss this would be,” adding that each time she returns, people whose jobs have been eliminated are gone. “Silence is no protection when people are being hurt."
In a FOX 5 interview after the meeting, teacher librarian Stephanie Macceca at Valhalla High School stated, “My job is on the line right now. It's not going to save any money to cut my job because they’re going to have to hire other people to replace us.”
Jason Balistreri, a Mount Miguel High School Teacher Librarian, said, “Today this board [views] eliminating librarians as a necessity, but that is contrary to the facts… in this increasingly dystopian district… taxpayer dollars will be wasted."
Maria Schembri gave her allotted time to a student from Santana High School, who said, “School psychologists and counselors have made school a safer place for me. While I have help at home,” she said, cutting psychologists and counselors puts students “at risk of losing the only mental health support they have.”
Photos, left: screenshots of posters and protesters from the beginning and ending of the meeting.There was an outburst at around 5:41 pm. of audience members clamoring, “Let us speak.” A 10 minute recess was called, though board members were absent for about 15 minutes.
Concerned parents and students spoke out regarding alleged weaponization of ideology against students. Many of them were students not only from El Cajon Valley High School, but also West Hills, Monte Vista, Granite Hills and Grossmont.
Photos, right: Rachel McCurry [left] and an unnamed student protesting the librarian cuts, who also referenced the importance of support following “two bloody shooting events” the GUHSD had two mass shootings in the past at Santana and Granite HIlls high schools.Various students from El Cajon Valley, Mount Miguel and Grossmont High Schools spoke, preferring their identities remain anonymous. Many of these students were part of the LGBTQ+ community, who expressed disdain towards the “callousness” of the board members
.
Here were some of the quotes by students during the Board’s recess:
"Taking away mental health services yet again... you don't really know until it affects you."
"I will never let these board members... cut something that will save lives" referencing a fellow student who committed suicide.
"You are taking away our student's safe spaces.”
"It does not hurt you to care about one other person."
"Our libraries do not get sufficient credit."
"I don’t understand what these... old men... understand about my life."
Photos: left: the audience reacting to the Governing Board Proposal—Right: The Governing Board Chris Fite, Jim Kelly, Scott Eckert, Robert Shield and Dr. Gary Woods visible.A student continued speaking out when the board returned at 6:02 p.m.
As the audience protested, Gary Woods and the other members left the room with protests and chants hurled their way, such as “shame,” “cowards,” “recall,” “shame on you,”and “vote them out.”
Woods stated: “We are moving to another room, media please follow us.” It is not a Brown Act violation to move board discussion of an agenda item to a back room excluding the public, provided media is present, though the action infuriated the large crowd. This reporter did not hear the announcement amid the chaos, however other local media was present in the backroom meeting.
The governing board voted 4 to 1 in favor of the resolution, with trustees Gary Woods, Scott Eckertt, Robert Shield and Jim Kelly voting yes and Chris Fite voting no.
At approximately 6:15 p.m., Trustee Chris Fite spoke before the vote. Fite was the only member opposed to the action, and was allowed only two minutes to speak. Fite vigorously opposed the cuts, insisting that the cuts are not financially necessary and suggested reserves could be tapped. “We have the money to do this.” Additionally, he said, “There is chronic underrepresentation of everyone... We need more people…These kids need more services.” Of the staffers slated to be fired, he stated, ”We need to retain these people... and build up this district."
Fite referenced the California Resources Requirements to retain a surplus of $35-$45 million dollars, “They easily can go into our $40+ million dollar reserves and save us for a year, for this year of uncertainty. The fact is, that they don’t want to.”
Additionally, the state of California requires holding a reserve of 3% of the annual budget to plan for economic uncertainties (about $10 million). GUHSD’s Governing Board voted to hold a reserve of 4.5% (Roughly $15 million), a larger buffer than required; GUHSD currently has 13.7% ($46 million plus), which would be roughly 4.5 times the minimum amount.
The Governing Board members apparently left through the backdoor of the facility at around 6:20 p.m. without addressing public comment, after shutting out the public for the rest of their deliberations. When the board members left the room, they chose not to explain their votes.
Colin McGlashen, the district’s communications director, told KUSI news after the meeting, “It's about looking down the road at what's in the best interest of the district.”
Although the district is issuing pink slips to the educators being laid off, it’s possible the board could rescind its action and have the terminated instructors return next year, if it chooses to do so.
In total, GUHSD voted to eliminate 49 full-time credentialed teachers, including counselors, assistant principals, and all 9 librarians on staff. The board chose to do this even though it will not contribute to higher academic achievements of students. Nor did state budget reductions after the Los Angeles fires make such drastic cuts necessary at this time, given the district’s substantial reserves.
By Miriam Raftery
February 27, 2025 (El Cajon) -- At 4:30 today, the Grossmont Union-High School District is holding a special meeting to considering firing 49 employees including all high school librarians. Others targeted include English teachers, psychologists and more.
Opponents of cutting librarians have set up a website at https://sites.google.com/view/save-guhsd-librarians/home. It includes a petition which has gathered over 1,100 signatures as of late this afternoon.
“The Grossmont Union High School District Board majority is pulling the same shady tricks as last year. They are planning layoffs claiming no money when they are holding a 13% reserve fund. This is well over state requirements,” says Jay Steiger, former GUHSD candidate who previously served on the district’s bond oversight committee.
View the full list of 49 positions on the chopping block. The 4:30 p.m. meeting of the GUHSD board will be held today at El Cajon Valley High School’s multipurpose room, 1035 East Madison Avenue in El Cajon.
On Facebook, Steiger states, “Teacher librarians are essential to support student research, digital literacy, responsible use of AI, helping find reading material that matches student interests (so they are more likely to read!), managing a library and tech budget, supervising Chromebook laptops, and building essential trust with students.”
The district’s agenda states,” On February 27, 2025, the Board of Trustees determined it needs to reduce or eliminate 49.2 full-time equivalent certificated administrative and/or teaching positions at the end of the current school year, and that potentially impacted certificated employees be provided written notice prior to March 15, 2025. Potentially affected employees were notified by the deadline.” The agenda adds the seniority will be taken into account in eliminating positions.
Trustee Chris Fite has indicated he opposes these cuts, as he has previously voted against other recent controversial staffing cuts including teachers and the district’s public safety director, but the other four members have supported those cuts.
By G. A. McNeeley
February 19, 2025 (El Cajon) - There’s a lot happening on Grossmont Campus, including a variety of free and paid events open to the general public as well as students, staff and faculty. These include concerts, movies, theatrical productions, blood drives, and more.
Below are details. To see more details for these events and more, click here: https://www.grossmont.edu/events/index.php
Blood Drives each month
The San Diego Blood Bank and The Health & Wellness Center are organizing several Blood Drives on campus. Join them in the Main Quad, to donate blood and make a difference in your community. No appointments are necessary, and walk-ins are welcome. You can donate on the following days: February 19, March 11, March 19, April 15, April 30, May 13, and May 21. The times for each date are the same: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Your donation could save a life.
Movie Night Feb. 20
The First Year Experience is organizing a movie night at the Griffin Gate. Join them on February 20, from 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., for a screening of Get Out. Chairs will be provided, but feel free to bring blankets, pillows, or anything that'll make you comfortable. Plus, you can also enjoy popcorn, snacks, and refreshments throughout the evening. Feel free to bring your friends.
Pull Back the Curtain: A Dance Immersive Experience Feb. 20-21
Griffin Community Concerts and Grossmont College Dance are co-sponsoring “Pull Back The Curtain.” Kevin Jenkins returns to Grossmont College (where he graduated in 2006) with his company, Ballet Counterpointe. He will shed light on the development of his choreography, with behind the scenes videos that bring the audience into the dance making process. This is not just a performance, but also an immersive experience. Check it out on February 20 or February 21, from 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., at the Performing & Visual Arts Center. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for seniors, military people, and GCCCD employees, and $15 for anyone else.
Grossmont College Concert Band Concert March 5
The Music Department is organizing a free concert, where you’ll get to watch the Grossmont College Concert Band. They're a dynamic ensemble of talented wind and percussion musicians, featuring students, educators, and community members. Whether they're bringing their classic wind band repertoire to life, or premiering new works, they’ll deliver a vibrant and electrifying performance. Join them on March 5, from 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the Performing & Visual Arts Center.
Pirates of Penzance musical March 20-22 and March 27-29
The Theatre Arts Department presents “The Pirates of Penzance,” which is a campus produced performance of the comic opera of the same name. Join them for an uproaring and rollicking good time that’s brimming with endearing pirates, bumbling policemen, zany escapades, and delightfully ridiculous paradoxes. Tickets are $10 for students and GCCCD employees, $14 for seniors, military people, and educators, and $18 for anyone else. Showings dates and times are as follows: March 20, March 21, March 22, March 27, March 28, and March 29 (7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.), and March 22 and March 29 (2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Free concerts May 1, 15, and 16
The Music Department is organizing free concerts, as music majors take the stage for their music recital. A diverse collection of solos and ensembles will be showcasing incredible talent across a variety of genres and styles, from classic to contemporary. Join them on May 1 and May 15, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Performing and Visual Arts Center. You can also check out the advanced music major recital, on May 16, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., which is also at the Performing and Visual Arts Center.
Entrances and Exits Dance Concerts March 8-10
The Dance Department is organizing “Entrances & Exits,” which is a faculty-choreographed, student-performed dance concert. It’s a showcase of innovative choreography and dynamic performances that highlight the diverse talents of dance faculty and students. Join them on March 8, March 9, and March 10, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Performing and Visual Arts Center. Ticket sales begin on March 1.
Twelfth Night Shakespearean comedy May 15-17 and May 22-24
The Theatre Arts Department presents “Twelfth Night,” which is a campus produced performance of the play of the same name. Join them for a whirlwind of mistaken identity, tangled romance, and laugh-out-loud confusion in this timeless comedy. Tickets are $10 for students and GCCCD employees, $14 for seniors, military people, and educators, and $18 for anyone else. Showings dates and times are as follows: May 15, May 16, May 17, May 22, May 23, and May 24 (7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.), and May 17 and May 24 (2:00 p.m.. to 4:00 p.m.).
By a school counselor, who asked to remain anonymous
Photo:CC by SA via Bing
February 13, 2025 (El Cajon, CA) -- The Grossmont Union High School District is set to eliminate 22 school counseling positions next year. This is not just a number—these are people who are on the frontlines, working day in and day out to support our students through mental health crises, academic struggles, and life challenges. Does the public understand what this means? Does anyone care that the care for our kids is about to drastically decrease?
School counselors do far more than manage schedules and guide college applications. We are the ones who step in when students are on the brink of despair, offering a safe space when they feel they have nowhere else to turn.
Today, I saved a life. I had a student walk into my office feeling like there was no hope left, contemplating ending their life. But I was there. I listened, I acted, and I made sure they got the help they needed before it was too late.
Now, this district wants to take away the very people who are trained to recognize the signs of students in crisis, intervene when needed, and be a lifeline in moments of desperation. With 22 counselors gone, where will our kids turn? What happens when we no longer have the time or resources to help those who need us the most? Counselors caseloads will increase by 65%!
I urge the public to recognize the gravity of these cuts. Our counselors are more than just a support system—they are often the first line of defense in preventing tragedy. We need more support, not less. Taking away 22 counselors will leave our students vulnerable, and the consequences could be irreversible.
Do we, as a community, care enough about our children’s well-being to make sure they have the resources they need to thrive? It’s time to ask ourselves: Will we stand by as care for our kids decreases, or will we advocate for the support they deserve?
The opinions voiced in this reader's editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East CountyMagazine. To submit an editorial for consideration,contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org
By Alex Schorr
Photo,Left to Right: Dr. Gary Woods (President, Area 3 Trustee), Robert Shield (Vice President, Area 4 Trustee), Scott Eckert (Clerk, Area 2 Trustee), Jim Kelly (Member, Area 5 Trustee), and Chris Fite (Member, Area 1 Trustee).
February 9, 2025 (El Cajon) – Teachers, parents, and community members leveled sharp criticism of the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) board of trustees during a special budget workshop meeting on February 6. Numerous speakers objected to the board’s creation of a costly new chief of staff position and waiving of board policies to do so, after the board majority earlier voted to lay off numerous employees, including many teachers.
The first quarter of the meeting was dedicated to the Governing Board Budget. This involved showing where school funding comes from (sales tax, corporation tax, and personal income tax). California Governor Gavin Newsom developed a state budget while the district simultaneously project
ts its own. In May, the Governor’s budget will be reviewed again, while the district budget will be adjusted and adopted sometime in June.
The Governor's proposed budget includes an education budget that invests in core instruction and learning. It also provides continuation for and protection of Proposition 98, which gives mandatory minimum funding for schools while eliminating “one-time funding.” Additionally, one-time funding was illustrated as having an impact on CTE program services, mental health, and chromebooks.
Photo, right: Deputy Superintendent of Business, Pearl Lizuka, introducing the Education Budget for GUHSD and the necessity of Proposition 98.
A staffer’s presentation at theGUHSD workshop illustrated that the greatest risk to Proposition 98 is declining enrollment. The presentation referenced the Local Funding Control Formula (LCFF), which revolves around the use of a Base Grant per ADA, stating that all English learning programs would be provided a 20% cut in funding. In addition to the GUHSD budget, a number of concerns could impact the state budget,including anxiety over stock market vulnerability, elevated interest rates, delayed tax deadlines, and federal policies centered on harsh immigration enforcement.
The podium was opened to public comment before the Board voted on agenda item D1, approval of a new job description for Chief of Staff, and D2, which waives board policies that allows them to accomplish D1.
James Messina, President of Grossmont Education Association (GEA), the district’s teacher’s union, asked, “What are we doing here?” He listed all laws and policies being broken if the Board voted to approve D1 and D2. He mentioned that the new position, if created or hired at all, is something that the Superintendent should be concerned with, not the Board members. Messina continued, stating that GUHSD used to be the envy of the county and that the board was ruining their reputation.
Additionally, Messina stated his concerns in a letter to GEA: “As GEA President, I would hope GUHSD would want to get the best possible candidate for this position, but it seemed more important to fill this position as soon as possible. This position was not flown in EdJoin for prospective applicants to see, [therefore] no applications to screen. GUHSD did not create a hiring panel for introduction level interviews. Finalists were not sent to the Superintendent for 2nd/3rd interviews. All of these steps were skipped and the Governing Board just appointed an employee for the new position. These actions of the Governing Board remove all transparency, go against past practice, GUHSD Governing Board bylaws, and GUHSD Board policies (BB 9900, BP4311).”
Other speakers included parents, teachers and community members stressing a lack of support and that in spite of this, the Board wants to add a new salaried position, which the governing board members have appointed all by themselves without going through the process of vetting, interviews, or the proper hiring processes.
Matthew Norris emphasized an undermining of trust, with Gavin Preston stating that the governing board members manufactured an emergency. Bonnie Price said the board trustees are degrading the quality of education in her district. It was emphasized that the most important job of the board is to annually assess how to make education better for the students, and that it was not clear how this new Chief of Staff position would do this.
Speakers from Monte Vista and Granite Hills high schools illustrated that the Board fired a number of people last year including at least ten teachers, stating that the budget required it. Yet suddenly this year, the Board acquires the money to hire a Chief of Staff who is essentially taking on the role of the fired individuals.
Multiple speakers accused board members of either sidestepping the legal process or downright ignoring it. These speakers brought attention to the fact that this would unnecessarily cost money and public trust.
Only two board members addressed concerns raised by speakers.
Trustee Jim Kelly gave this response. “I'm sure everyone’s minds are made up, and speaking as a 32 year board member, I can tell that this position is needed,” he stated. He indicated that the GUHSD bureaucracy needs to have better communications with the public: “the administration does a really good job at looking after itself, protecting itself, and filtering information that goes into the board,” adding that sometimes the board learns information later that might have resulted in a different decision if known earlier. “We come for one meeting a month, normally...and we’re flying blind,” he asserted, adding, “I have seen sometimes people come up to me saying they are afraid to talk to board members.”
Trustee Chris Fite said hiring the Chief of Staff in this manner would undermine the public trust. We don’t need this position,” said Fite,”and this is not the way we should be doing business.”
In the end, Dr. Gary Woods (President, Area 3), Robert Shield (Vice President, Area 4), Jim Kelly (Area 5 Trustee), and Scott Eckert (Clerk, Area 2) voted in favor of the new Chief of Staff Position, with Chris Fite, (Trustee, Area 1) voting no.