SRVUSD Teachers Rally Against Proposed Staff Cuts

DANVILLE, CA — San Ramon Valley Unified School District staff have staged two rallies to protest proposed budget cuts to close a $26 million funding gap.

At each rally, hundreds of teachers and SRVUSD staff gathered outside the district’s different schools to protest cuts they say will directly impact students. In a Budget Reduction Plan approved Jan. 14 by the Board of Education, the district said it plans to cut a number of positions, including teachers, psychologists, elementary school counselors, and various administrative and maintenance positions. The district also plans to increase class sizes by adding one student per teacher in middle schools, two students per teacher in high schools, and increasing class sizes in grades 4 and 5.

“We believe that management should consider alternatives to the planned cuts, honoring what the community said when asked: Protect our students. Nearly 60% of the cuts directly impact our students by either eliminating mental health services or increased class sizes,” Laura Finco, president of the San Ramon Valley Education Association, told Patch in an email.

The SRVEA has proposed an alternative plan to close the funding gap, which includes a proposed Discretionary Block Grant to restore student support jobs, increasing average daily attendance for extra funding, and reduced funding for management, among other suggestions. Finco said that the district has refused to seriously consider any of their proposals, so the SRVEA has voted to file an Unfair Practice charge against the district. The district has countered with its own proposal for the grant, but no agreement has been reached."

“We understand the concerns raised by our teachers' union in Tuesday's demonstration. We recognize the vital role our teachers play in our students' success and we value their contributions. Unfortunately, SRVUSD is facing significant budget challenges due to declining enrollment and decreased revenues that require difficult and significant budget reductions, which negatively impact programs and services across the district. This approved budget reduction plan presentation from January 14th is a key tool in understanding the situation,” SRVUSD Superintendent CJ Cammack said in a statement.

“These reductions are not something we desire. However, they are necessary to maintain the district's financial stability. We are committed to minimizing the impact of these cuts on our students and staff, to the extent feasible. By working together, we can navigate these difficult times while striving to ensure that our students continue to have the best opportunities to succeed in their education.”

The board will vote Tuesday to authorize layoffs for approximately 130 certified personnel, including 8% of the district’s non-managerial educators. Finco said that SRVEA plans to meet at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at Sycamore Valley Park, then march to the district office and hold a rally.