Ninety-three Modesto City School employees face losing their jobs under a plan presented to the Board of Education on Tuesday night. Among them are dozens of paraprofessionals who help support about one in three students across the district.
The district says the proposed layoffs are part of recommended cuts to reduce its budget by around $11.5 million because pandemic-response funds from the state and federal governments will not be renewed.
Around 11 coaches for all sites and 25 paraprofessionals involved with the Multi-Tiered System of Support program could be laid off depending on the school board’s vote Monday, Nov. 18.
Erica Middaugh is an MTSS coach at Wilson and Burbank elementary schools. She addressed the board Tuesday, Nov. 12, to say her position already has been impacted because the district did not fill vacated positions. That caused her to be split 50/50 between the two school sites.
As a coach, Middaugh helps teachers and paraprofessionals develop strategies to aid students struggling in various subjects like English. She also conducts classroom visits and assists with professional development.