A petition opposing the elimination gathered more than 80 signatures within hours. Petition organizer Yaso Thiagarajah described the interventionists as a “critical bridge” for students needing extra reading support.
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District board is scheduled to vote Thursday on a resolution that would eliminate teaching and counselor positions at elementary schools.
The proposed cuts call for reducing six full-time equivalent certificated positions effective in June, including four multiple-subject teaching services and a single-subject Spanish teaching services, along with a counselor position.
The resolution cites declining enrollment and budget constraints but does not detail the number of students currently served by the interventionists or project specific impacts on reading outcomes, achievement gaps or special education referrals.
Families have voiced strong opposition. A Change.org petition launched this week opposing the elimination of the positions gathered more than 80 signatures within hours. Petition organizer Yaso Thiagarajah, a Santa Monica parent whose children attend Santa Monica Alternative School House, stated that early reading intervention staff are the ones targeted, and described the interventionists as a “critical bridge” for students needing extra reading support.
“Every child deserves a chance to succeed,” the petition states. “LLIs make that chance possible.”
Thiagarajah said the roles are essential for equity and inclusion, arguing that removing them would disproportionately affect vulnerable students and widen achievement gaps.
The district did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The board meeting is set for Thursday, with the item listed for a 5-minute discussion and possible action.
