San Juan Unified Issues 68 Layoff Notices to Fair Oaks Teachers

It was nearly a week ago California school districts were given a deadline to distribute lay off notices to teachers, principals, counselors and other staff. In total, nearly 20,000 preliminary pink slips were issued to California teachers and staff. It wouldn't be the first time. Like those school districts, San Juan Unified was no different.

There were a total of 485 "precautionary notices" sent out to certificated staff. Those would be teachers, principals, counselors – anyone who requires a credential to hold their position. Of those, 68 were from Fair Oaks schools.

This number represents an increase in the total number over recent years and likely an increase in Fair Oaks specific notices as well, explained San Juan Unified School District spokesman Trent Allen. In 2010-11 there were 305 total precautionary notices of which 45 were from Fair Oaks schools.

"These are precautionary notices based on a worst-case scenario," Allen said. "The number to receive actual layoff notices will be lower assuming the worst case scenario does not materialize."

The classified staff works differently. They do not receive March 15 notices, they just receive a final notice at least 45 days prior to the effective date. The district has currently identified roughly 145 classified employees who will likely receive a notice at least 45 days prior to the end of their work year. There is not a breakdown of those by site at this time but the school level reductions for classified are minimal – the vast majority come from the District level.

A few points to keep in mind:

• The district is currently working with its employee groups to find sustainable solutions that will allow it to restore positions, programs and services. The district anticipates having announcements prior to the May 15 deadline to issue final notices. 
• Some notifications are to allow maximum flexibility in these discussions as the district thinks creatively on how to deliver services in the best way possible. For example, all elementary prep specialists who provide art, music and PE instruction have been noticed. There is no intent or desire to eliminate art, music and PE; however, these positions have been noticed as the district discusses options that could possibly impact their positions.
• Just because a staff person is noticed does not mean that their position has been eliminated. They could be noticed if they will be ‘bumped’ by more senior staff. For example, if there are three second grade teachers at a school, one of those teachers may receive a notice but there could still be three second grade teachers the next year.

The biggest impact on schools, staff and students right now is the morale issues it creates, Allen said.

"In no other profession do we tell people how important they are and then turn around and give them notices that they could be laid off, year, after year, after year," Allen said. "After five-plus years of continuous reductions, many in our community are familiar with the legal constraints we operate in and understand that we must work through a process that really doesn’t end until this summer."

Below is the number of notices issued to each San Juan school in Fair Oaks:

School

2011-12

Bella Vista High School

18

Del Campo High School

18

Harry Dewey Fundemental

6

El Sereno Independent Study

5

Earl LeGette Elementary

4

Northridge Elementary

2

Orangevale Open K-8

3

Will Rogers Middle School

12

FAIR OAKS TOTAL

68

TOTAL

485