School District to Consider Layoffs of 35 Teachers

At least 35 teachers could be laid off in the next school year if the (BPUSD) school board adopted the proposal Tuesday night.

The president of the Baldwin Park Education Association (BPEA) and school district officials hope a recent will eliminate some, if not all, of the layoff notices.

The district recently adopted  a measure giving $20,000 incentives to employees who retire early.

"Please keep in mind that just because you receive a pink slip (R.I.F notice), it does not necessarily mean you will lose your job," said Sherelee Heckroth, president of the BPEA in an email sent to members.

"The final number of actual layoffs will depend on how many teachers take the retirement incentive. The district is hoping that 30 or more teachers will take the retirement incentive," he added.

The layoffs could affect at least 26 elementary teachers, eight middle school teachers and one math high school teacher.

BPUSD Superintendent Mark Skvarna told school board members that layoffs could save the district about $ 3.2 million and are necessary due to the state budget crisis.

The district is facing a budget deficit of nearly $ 6 million for the next school year.

"Due to the continuing economic uncertainty, the district must anticipate a lack of funding to continue the Class Size Reduction Program as it is currently funded by the State," Skvarna wrote in a memorandum to board members.

If the measure is adopted by board members, layoff notices must be given no later than Thursday.

According to the Heckroth email, the district also plans to propose nine furlough days in the 2012-2013 school year.

The board will vote on the proposal on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the district's board room located at 3699 Holly Avenue in Baldwin Park. There will be a public comments period for those who want to address the board on this issue.

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