Less than one year after the Pajaro Valley Unified School District approved his $229,000 contract, Chief Business Officer Gerardo Castillo is leaving the district.
In an email to teachers and staff Friday morning, PVUSD spokesman Alejandro Chavez said Castillo had resigned and accepted a “new leadership opportunity with Sacramento City Unified School District.”
“While we are saddened to see Gerardo leave PVUSD, we are deeply grateful for his service, leadership and dedication to our district,” the email states. “During his time with PVUSD, Gerardo helped guide important financial and operational work in support of our schools, students and staff. His expertise, professionalism and commitment to public education have been greatly valued.”
In a prepared statement, Castillo said his decision was driven by a change in a family member’s health that requires him to take a position closer to home.
He said his departure “is not a reflection of my colleagues, and especially not of Dr. Contreras,” but rather a decision to prioritize his family.
Castillo said district staff spent the past several months confronting declining enrollment, multimillion-dollar budget deficits and rising health care costs. He added that difficult decisions—including potential school consolidations and closures—must continue if the district is to achieve long-term fiscal stability.
“Addressing these issues requires difficult but necessary actions,” he said.
Castillo also praised Superintendent Heather Contreras, calling her leadership “invaluable,” and saying she “leads with conviction, clarity, and an unwavering focus on doing what is right for students, even when faced with difficult decisions.”
He said he will remain with the district for the next month to help ensure a smooth transition.
PVUSD will now begin the search for Castillo’s replacement.
The Pajaronian has reached out to Contreras and PVUSD Board President Carol Turley.
In a prepared statement, Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers President Brandon Diniz said the union’s priorities are the same.
“Despite the sudden resignation of CBO Castillo, our priority remains to put our students first, and demonstrate the commitment that they deserve,” he stated in a text message. “We look forward to engaging the district in this mediation process and reaching an agreement that prioritizes our students and staff.”
Castillo is the latest in a string of chief business officers to leave the district since 2017, following Jenny Im, Clint Rucker, Joe Dominguez, Melody Canady and Brett McFadden.
