Board of Education Authorizes Layoff Notices Tuesday Night

At a special meeting last night, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education authorized reduction in force notices for 78 teaching and administrative positions due to a deficit that could reach up to $17 million for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

By law, employees with a credential such as teachers and administrators must be notified that their positions are being considered for elimination by March 15. The action followed approval of a fiscal stabilization plan required by the Los Angeles County Office of Education that shows that even if the Governor’s proposed tax initiatives are approved by voters in November, PUSD’s deficit would still be $7.2 million.

Based on the Governor’s January proposed budget, PUSD anticipates $3.2 million in reductions in 2012-13, $1 million in 2011-12 midyear cuts, and $3 million in loss of revenue due to a zero cost of living adjustment. PUSD could face another $9.9 million in reductions if the Governor’s proposed tax initiatives fail in November.

“To preside over the dismantling of the initiatives that have led to improved achievement among our children is not what I believe in,” said Board President Renatta Cooper. “Our children could be doing so much better if public schools had the funding that we need. Approval of these layoff notices doesn’t illustrate how valued the people on this list are; but we have to meet county and state requirements.”

The effects of the recession, which continue to impact state revenues and funding for public schools, are compounded by rising operating costs and growing pension and benefit obligations. Since 2007, the district’s budget has been designed to streamline operations and to address the effects of the prolonged recession and funding deficit. The district has made more than $30 million in budget cuts, closed two elementary schools, increased class size, eliminated positions, shortened the school year, and furloughed employees.

“In order to maintain fiscal responsibility and stability, additional staffing reductions have unfortunately become necessary” said John Pappalardo, the district’s Chief Financial Officer.

The elimination of the 78 positions, which follows specific criteria such as seniority, must be confirmed by May 15. “Revised budget or enrollment projections, retirements, and savings by instituting furlough days could reduce the need for layoffs before final notices go out May 15,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Yolanda Mendoza.

Classified employees such as office and facilities workers are also notified about layoffs in May.

For a list of the affected positions, click here.