School layoffs approved

On Thursday, the Board of Trustees voted to send layoff notices to those filling 64.9418 full-time-equivalent positions. State law requires a 45-day notice to school employees of a possible layoff. These cuts are in addition to the 95 notices that already went out to teachers.

"This is a preliminary step in the process,” explained board Vice President Mark Hudak. "We hope for a better outcome but needed to approve the cuts to meet the notification requirements.”

The vote approved layoff notices to approximately 65 FTE positions including librarians, physical education specialists, individuals who have specialties working with children and technology professionals and office assistants, according to a staff report written by Joan Rosas, assistant superintendent of human services.

These notices are in addition to the 95 certificated and administrator employees who were notified last month of potential layoffs. California requires districts to give preliminary notice of the potential to let certain employees go by March 15 with a final decision by May 15.

Aside from layoff notices, the board will consider a two-year plan of budget reductions and enhancements. Notably, the plan calls for staggering the bell schedule allowing for $750,000 in transportation savings, according to a staff report written by Chief Business Official Michaela Ochoa.

Changes in bell schedules will need to happen to make the transportation changes a reality.

"I hope the parents can be flexible. By being flexible, we can avoid program cuts,” said Hudak, who said a plan is being worked on and not ready to go public.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.