When Aptos High School Principal Alison Hanks-Sloan sent a letter on March 16 to the Pajaro Valley Unified School District community announcing she would not be returning for the 2025-26 school year—and that her last day will be June 30—district officials told The Pajaronian only that “she resigned.”
That statement, coming via text message from PVUSD spokeswoman Alicia Jimenez, seems at odds with a more nuanced truth.
In her letter to the community, Hanks-Sloan said that “serving as the principal of this incredible school has been a true honor, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support I’ve received from our students, families, and staff throughout my time here.”
But she does not specifically say that she resigned.
Hanks-Sloan declined to comment for this story, but according to her father, Rick Hanks, Hanks-Sloan received a letter on March 6 informing her that she would be reassigned to a different position within the district, and that she would be informed of her new assignment later this year.
That decision, the letter reads, was made during the closed session of the March 5 meeting of the district’s Board of Trustees.
“She did not resign,” Rick Hanks said. “When she decides to resign, she will resign and tell people that. But right now she did not.”
An online petition circulated by an Aptos High parent says that Hanks-Sloan communicated with her staff about ongoing talks regarding budget cuts, layoffs and schedule changes. PVUSD Superintendent Heather Contreras, the petition reads, wanted that information to come from her.
The petition states that Contreras is therefore punishing Hanks-Sloan by removing her from the position.
Jimenez said that the petition is inaccurate, but did not say which parts she was calling into question.
PVUSD Trustee Gabe Medina says he cast the sole dissenting vote during that closed-session meeting.
“I don’t think this was done in the right way,” Medina said.
The Aptos High community will meet on Monday, March 24 to discuss hiring a new principal. A location has not yet been determined.
The principal job at Aptos High is online here.
This is a developing story. It will be updated.
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Alison Hanks-Sloan’s letter:
I am writing to share some important news regarding a transition at Aptos High. With genuine gratitude for this community, I share with you that I will not be returning as principal for the 2025-2026 school year. Serving as the principal of this incredible school has been a true honor, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support I’ve received from our students, families, and staff throughout my time here.
As the process of selecting a new principal begins, the voices of our community are central in this decision. PVUSD leaders are committed to gathering input from our community, and I encourage you to participate in the upcoming meeting to share your thoughts on the leadership qualities for the next principal. The meeting will be held on Monday, 3/24 at 6pm (location coming soon.) Your perspectives are invaluable in shaping the future of Aptos High.
While I will no longer be serving as principal after June 30, I want to emphasize that I will continue to be here with you as we finish the school year together. Aptos High is a special place because of the dedication and passion of our students, families, and staff. I am confident that the school will continue to thrive with the strong foundation we’ve built together.
Thank you for the love, trust, and support you have shown me. It has been a privilege to serve this exceptional community. I am truly proud of all that we have accomplished, and I will always carry the spirit of this school with me.
Thank you again for everything. I look forward to our continued partnership as we work to ensure a bright future for all Mariners.
SAILing with a directional light,
Alison, aka Dr. AHS
Why is the district lying to the public?! I thought the district is suppose to want better for our children but goes to show they are willing to let ego’s get in the way. What a shame!
The so-called “leaders” of this district are actually liars?! Hope they all get exposed and voted out! What a shameful display of human behavior, it’s absolutely disgusting, and the kids are the ones who suffer (along with of course Sloan and the people who are getting fired)!