The Ventura Unified School District Board of Education voted Tuesday, Aug. 25, to sell two surplus District properties for housing development. In the larger of the two agreements, the District did something groundbreaking in Ventura County. Instead of taking the full $39 million purchase price for the District offices located on Stanley Ave., the District opted to take roughly $21.5 million in cash and the remaining in finished homes the District will own for staff housing. This structure gives Ventura Unified approximately 50 housing units and, critically, the freedom to decide who lives in them and determine the rent associated with them. 

Because the District will own the units directly rather than participating in a subsidized housing program, they are not bound by the income limits that govern most affordable and educator housing developments. Ventura Unified can prioritize employees with the greatest need, but it can also lease to the teacher or classified employee who earns too much to qualify for affordable housing and not enough to afford Ventura's open market, the group most often squeezed out of both.

"Our teachers and staff should be able to live in the community they serve," said Dr. Antonio Castro, Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District. "What makes this agreement different is that we are not just selling land and hoping housing gets built. We are taking a substantial share of the purchase price in the form of housing the District will own. That gives us real flexibility to help employees live in the city where they work.”

The two agreements

Under Resolution #26-23, the Board approved the sale of the 24.88-acre Education Service Center property at 255 W. Stanley Ave. to an affiliate of MW Investment Group and HCD Investments LLC for $39,000,000.

Under Resolution #26-22, the Board approved the sale of the former Washington Elementary School site at 96 Macmillan Ave. to City Ventures for $8,325,000, with the potential for additional future payments to the District.

The two agreements total approximately $47.3 million.

The Macmillan Avenue sale is a standard sale to City Ventures for $8,325,000, with potential for additional future payments to the District. We won't own housing there. The developer's plans include potential affordable units with priority for District employees, but those would follow the usual income rules. The District-owned units described above exist only at the Stanley Avenue site.

How the Stanley Avenue deal is structured

The Stanley Avenue transaction is a mix rather than a straight sale. Under the terms of the agreement, the buyer will:

• Purchase a portion of the property to develop market-rate and affordable housing;
• Lease a portion of the property to develop affordable workforce housing
• Deliver approximately 50 constructed housing units to the District. Those units are valued at an average of about $350,000 each, and the balance of the purchase price is paid in cash to the District. 
• The District is still discussing the types of units it will request (1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, etc.). It has been conducting employee surveys to help determine the best mix. The District will develop a leasing policy and share it publicly before any units are available.

Cash proceeds from the sale are restricted by law: they may be used only for repairs and upgrades to Ventura Unified facilities, not for salaries, supplies or other operating costs.

Background: a public process

Both sales followed an extensive public process. A Board-appointed advisory committee known as the "7-11 Committee" studied potential uses of District-owned real property and gathered community input over several years. Acting on the committee's recommendation, the Board declared the Stanley Avenue property surplus on Aug. 10, 2021.

The District obtained a waiver from the State Board of Education, renewed in November 2025, that waives specified sections of the Education Code, allowing the District to use a request-for-proposals process to select a purchaser while maintaining flexibility in sale terms and maximizing return. The District issued an RFP for the Macmillan Avenue property on Sept. 30, 2025, and for the Stanley Avenue property on Jan. 5, 2026.

"This was a deliberate, public process," said James Forsythe, President of the VUSD Board of Education. "The 7-11 Committee did the study, the community weighed in at public board meetings and town hall meetings, and we've spent years getting to a structure that serves both the housing need and the District's long-term financial position."

Ventura and its surrounding communities face a critical shortage of affordable housing, making it difficult for some VUSD employees to live in the city where they work.  Housing that educators can actually afford supports the District's educational mission by helping Ventura Unified attract and retain qualified teachers and staff.

“This allows us to build workforce housing without asking the community to approve a bond or relying on state and federal affordable housing subsidies, which often exclude educators who do not meet the income requirement”, stated Board Trustee Sabrena Rodriguez during the meeting. “This is truly groundbreaking because we can use resources the district already owns to directly benefit our employees and the broader community, without increasing the tax burden on residents.” 

Education Service Center operations

The District has spent several years preparing for the relocation of personnel currently assigned to the Education Service Center at 255 W. Stanley Ave. Staff will be relocated to existing District-owned property or, pending the outcome of the District's school closure process, to school sites no longer operating as schools. Relocation planning is underway; the move is at least a year away, and District operations will continue without interruption.

Next steps

The resolutions authorize the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, or a designee to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreements, open and close escrow, and take all necessary steps to complete the transactions. The sales remain subject to the terms and conditions of those agreements. Any future development of either site would proceed through the City of Ventura's own planning and entitlement process.

 

School Closures Advisory Committee Begins Reviewing Elementary Schools; No Formal Recommendations Have Been Made At This Time

Posted August 21, 2026

At its August 20 meeting, the School Closures Advisory Committee began the first round of discussion about which elementary schools it might recommend for closure. No formal recommendations have gone to the Board of Education.

How the committee came to be

The Board of Education directed staff last school year to convene an advisory committee to study the district's schools and facilities and recommend which schools the Board might consider for closure. The committee has met monthly since March 2026.

Its work responds to conditions facing districts across California and the country: enrollment in Ventura Unified continues to decline, and the district must identify additional ways to save money. Fewer students spread across the same number of campuses means resources, including staffing, programs, and facilities dollars, are stretched thinner at every school.

The central question is not only financial. It is whether the district can continue to offer the strongest possible education at every site while operating more schools than its student population requires.

Twenty-four criteria

Rather than looking at enrollment alone, the committee has been evaluating each school against 24 criteria. Those include current and projected enrollment, the condition of facilities and the scope of deferred needs, building capacity, academic performance and programming, and special programs housed at each site, among other data.

That framework has shaped every meeting since March and is the basis for the discussions now underway.  Those documents can be found on the School Closures Advisory Committee webpage.

What happened August 20

The August 20 meeting marked the first time committee members began directly discussing which schools they might recommend for closure, focusing on elementary schools at this meeting. Their task is to place schools in a possible order: which might be recommended first, which second, and so on, should the Board decide to close a school.

By the end of the evening, the committee had set the following elementary schools aside from further discussion, and by the end of the meeting they were not being discussed for recommended closure; however, they reserved the right to bring the schools back for additional discussion at a future meeting.

• E.P. Foster
• Loma Vista
• Montalvo
• Sunset K-8
• Lemon Grove K-8
• Citrus Glen
• Portola

The following schools remain under discussion:

• Will Rogers- currently in agreement with the committee to place on the list; however, they reserve the right to reconsider this in future discussions.
• ATLAS K-8
• Elmhurst
• Juanamaría
• Junípero Serra
• Lincoln
• Mound
• Pierpont
• Poinsettia
• Sheridan Way

Only elementary schools have been reviewed to date. Every school on both lists remains subject to change as the committee continues its work.

Watching the meeting

The full recording of the August 20 meeting is available on the district's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/VenturaUnifiedSchoolDistrict. 

In the interest of transparency, the district continued recording throughout the evening, including during small-group work sessions. During those portions of the meeting, there is no audible discussion; no audio was available to anyone in the room or watching online. Viewers may wish to fast-forward through those segments. Each small group reported out its thinking to the full committee after every work session, and those report-outs are captured in the recording.

Next meeting: September 17

The committee will continue this discussion on Thursday, September 17. This meeting will not be held at the Education Service Center. The district is moving the meeting to a larger location so that members of the public can attend and observe in person. As soon as that meeting location is determined, it will be shared with the public on the School Closures Advisory Committee webpage, VUSD Connections Newsletter, and District social media.

Time will be set aside for public comment. Because the committee has a three-hour window to complete its work, comment time will be limited.

Community members who cannot attend in person may share their thoughts by email at VUSDSchoolsCommittee@venturausd.org. Messages received at least 24 hours before the meeting will be forwarded to the full committee.

Five Ventura Unified Schools Honored with National School Climate and Culture Award

Jostens has announced that five Ventura Unified School District schools have been named 2026 Jostens Renaissance Schools of Distinction, in recognition of their efforts to create positive school climates and cultures.

Gold Tier

• Anacapa Middle School
• Foothill Technology High School

Silver Tier

• Balboa Middle School
• Lemon Grove TK-8 School
• Ventura High School

The Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction designation was created to celebrate schools making a positive impact on school climate and culture through The Results Formula™: Respect + Reinforce + Recognize + Reward + Relationships = Results™.

“Jostens is honored to recognize our Renaissance Schools of Distinction,” said Sara Sausker, Director of Jostens Renaissance Education. “The passion and dedication of the educators and student leaders at these schools are a driving force in building a culture of achievement, pride and belonging. Each of these schools have demonstrated measurable results in the areas of their own focus, often educator morale or academic achievement. At the same time, they create a culture where every student belongs, not just attends. These schools truly create an exceptional environment for both staff and students.”

The School of Distinction Award was achieved by 182 schools across North America and demonstrates a high level of accomplishment. To earn recognition, schools implemented strategies across multiple areas and described and documented their successes through a rigorous application process.

The recognition levels begin with Silver, followed by Gold and Platinum. 

Ventura Unified School District congratulates Anacapa Middle School, Foothill Technology High School, Balboa Middle School, Lemon Grove TK-8 School, and Ventura High School on this national recognition and celebrates the students, staff, and school communities whose commitment to positive relationships, belonging, achievement, and school pride made these honors possible.

More information about the 2026 Jostens Renaissance Schools of Distinction is available at jostensrenaissance.com/2026-schools-of-distinction/ .

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 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/