School board approves new vocational assistant position for culinary arts program

A significant development emerged during the Pacific Grove Unified School District (PGUSD) Board Meeting on April 4, 2025, as the board discussed the establishment of a new vocational assistant position specifically for the culinary arts program. This decision comes after the district faced challenges in filling an instructional assistant role, leading to the hiring of a substitute who has now served long enough to qualify for permanency.

The first memorandum of understanding (MOU) approved by the board formalizes the permanency rights for the substitute, effective from October 22, 2024. The second MOU establishes the new vocational assistant position, retroactive to January 1, 2025, reflecting the need for specialized support in the culinary arts, which requires a higher level of certification and responsibility compared to general instructional assistance.

Trustee Rex raised concerns about the financial implications of creating this new position, especially in light of recent layoffs within the district. He questioned whether the position was necessary and suggested that it could be reevaluated to potentially save costs. However, other board members emphasized the importance of the culinary program's growth and the necessity of having an assistant to ensure safe and effective instruction.

The board also discussed the potential for expanding vocational assistance roles in other career technical education (CTE) programs, should the district's offerings grow. The conversation highlighted the balance between meeting educational needs and managing budgetary constraints, with the board ultimately recognizing the existing demand for the culinary assistant role.

As the board moves forward, the implications of this decision will be closely monitored, particularly regarding its impact on the culinary program's success and the district's overall financial health.