Barrios Unidos ask PVUSD for a return of their mentor programs

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- A mentorship program is no more, after a decision by Pajaro Valley High School principal put a pause to a guidance program in partnership with Barrios Unidos. 

With a new school year only a few weeks away, students at three high schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District will be seeing new faces: School Resource Officers. 

“Some will argue that there is a place for school resource officers, but then i would argue that that means there is also a place for community partners 

Brandon Diniz, president of Pajaro Valley Federation of Teachers, says the announcement came as a surprise after a decision not to extend a contract with barrios unidos and their student mentorship program. 

“There are behaviors and times where law enforcement is needed, but there are also times where a student or a young person just needs somebody to pull them aside and show them a way to keep them from getting involved in the criminal justice system,” said Diniz. 

Barrios Unidos held a year-to-year site specific contract with Pajaro Valley High School.  A program that held mentorship meetings with nearly 200 students twice a week. 

“One thing that I've heard is that students say they're more comfortable sharing something personal or that they're going through with a mentor, such as someone from Barrios Unidos, than talking to a police officer wearing their uniform,” he adds.

PVUSD shared a statement saying the decision not to renew the contract was made after evaluating the program's efficacy. It reads, “resources previously allocated for this program will be redistributed to other programs that have demonstrated a stronger impact on student outcomes.”

Diniz adds, “if we're working with a community partner and there are benefits to even a small set of students, then it's worth it because those students need support.” 

I reached out to Barrios Unidos, they say they are looking to shift their focus to other projects that will allow them to continue supporting the student community. Meanwhile, the district adds their commitment is to operate in the best interest of their students. 

The district adds that each school is open to seeking a contract with barrios unidos or other mentorship organizations in the future.