By Collin Breaux
Potential layoffs of employees in approximately 91 full-time positions are on the horizon for the Capistrano Unified School District.
The CUSD Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on approving a preliminary resolution for the “proposed reduction or elimination of certain services performed by certificated employees” at a special meeting on Wednesday night, March 3.
The resolution authorizes providing notice to impacted employees by a required March 15 deadline, according to the meeting agenda.
The board will be asked to take final action on any layoffs at a May meeting.
The layoffs are intended to “ensure the fiscal soundness” of the district, based on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget, the board report said. State legislators are currently considering Newsom’s proposed $89.2 billion education budget, according to the news outlet EdSource.
Sixty employees could be laid off in grades K-6, 15 in middle school, and one health instructional employee in high school. Five teachers on special assignment could also be impacted, as would 11 certificated management positions—including a coordinator for counseling and student support, an executive director for elementary education, and three program specialists.
“In an effort to work through difficult situations, staff has communicated multiple times with CUEA leadership outlining plans and process,” the board report said, referencing the local teachers union.
Board President Judy Bullockus previously said layoffs were possible, during an interview with San Clemente Times in January that previewed what 2021 held in store for CUSD.
The proposed layoffs would save approximately $9.987 million dollars.
Collin Breaux
Collin Breaux covers San Juan Capistrano and other South Orange County news as the City Editor for The Capistrano Dispatch. Before moving to California, he covered Hurricane Michael, politics and education in Panama City, Florida. He can be reached by email at cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com.
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