The Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees approved the dreaded layoffs after months of pushback. At the board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26, the district made some changes before approving the layoffs; however, these concessions didn’t change the fact that many beloved teachers and staff members will lose their jobs.
The Decision
The Board passed three resolutions unanimously. “Resolution of Release and Non-Reemployment of Temporary Certificated Staff” shows that 11 people will not be welcomed back next school year. “Reduction or Elimination of Classified Services (Classified Layoff)” indicates that they are laying off 36 employees. “Reduction or Discontinuance of Particular Kinds of Service (Certificated Layoffs)” lays off 70 employees, including 51 classroom teaching positions.
Superintendent Dr. Damon Wright did offer an apology to 10 grant-funded paraeducators who, unfortunately, found out they were losing their jobs when the meeting’s agenda went live. Dr. Wright said they fell “a little short.”
These resolutions do reflect some updates since the original plan was presented at the last meeting on Feb. 12 and address some of the concerns brought up at previous meetings. First, they will keep one additional Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) to support the special education program. Second, there is a commitment that the remaining elementary PE teachers will not be assigned to more than two schools…