WATSONVILLE — The start of the Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s 2024-25 academic year is just a few weeks away, and with it will come some slight changes in the district’s cabinet. Two employment contracts — one for the assistant superintendent of educational services and the other for the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction/professional development — will go before the school board at its Wednesday meeting.
The first contract up for consideration is the educational services position for Michael Berman, a 21-year Pajaro Valley Unified veteran whose positions have included a stint as principal of H.A. Hyde Elementary School. He currently serves as the district’s director of equity and state and federal programs, where he has overseen the state Seal of Civic Engagement and Seal of Biliteracy, which are bestowed to graduating seniors each spring.
“Mr. Berman is a highly accomplished instructional leader both at the site and district level, and a community advocate with the ability to develop an inclusive and collaborative culture focused on student achievement,” district officials wrote in a staff report for the item. “We are excited to have his exceptional leadership continue to make an impact in this new role.”
The other contract is for Claudia Monjaras to serve in the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction/professional development position. Monjaras also has served in numerous positions in the district, including as principal of Hall District Elementary School, director of curriculum and instruction and assistant superintendent of elementary education, the latter of which she has served as since September.
“Ms. Monjaras is an outstanding instructional leader and is highly respected by both site and district staff,” district officials wrote. “Ms. Monjaras has made significant contributions to PVUSD and is highly focused on student outcomes and achievement.”
Monjaras’ contract is part of a cabinet-level realignment. It is for a two-year term through June 30, 2026, and has an annual salary of $171,841 as well as a master’s degree stipend of $4,498. It also includes health insurance coverage, a $500 monthly mileage reimbursement, and a 2.5% longevity stipend after five years of service in a management position.
Berman’s contract is for the same two-year period and includes the same salary and benefits.
In other business, the board will consider design immunity for the district office’s Climate solar project.
The board will meet publicly at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the special location of the Watsonville City Council Chambers on the top floor of the Watsonville Civic Plaza, 275 Main St. A closed session will precede the regular meeting at 6 p.m.