Coachella Valley Unified School District’s board of education unanimously approved its fiscal stabilization plan and first interim budget, which include eliminating 197 staff positions as the district seeks to “rightsize” amid a budget deficit.
At Friday evening’s board meeting, Superintendent Frances Esparza presented the plan, detailing nearly $47 million in reductions. Further cuts are anticipated in early 2025.
The plan recommended several measures, including transferring $13 million in redevelopment agency funds to the general fund ; aligning $6 million in unrestricted and restricted expenses; reducing classified and certificated management departments by 25%; reducing $3 million from its contract with the Riverside County Latino Commission; shortening principals’ and assistant principals’ year-round schedules from 12 months to 11 months; closing eight vacant staff positions; and eliminating 197 staff positions.
“This is the one that hits home. It’s the one that hits hard — the reduction in force,” Esparza said. “It’s hitting our classified staff, our confidential staff, our certificated staff and our management staff. As your superintendent, this is not easy. I need to put students first.”