Introduction to the Crisis
Nearly 300 staff and teachers from the Santa Ana Unified School District will be without a job next school year.
“It’s very disheartening when we have $70 million of unrestricted monies, and what kept going through my head was, San Francisco had 400 layoffs. They rescinded all of them,” Sonta Garner-Marcelo, president of the Santa Ana Educators Association, said.
Reasons Behind the Layoffs
Ron Hacker, associate superintendent for the school district said that “Unfortunately, the district is facing some fiscal uncertainty related to the declining enrollment, the cessation of COVID relief grant funds. So the board needed to take this action in order to protect our long-term ability to continue to provide services to our students.
Impact on Employees and Students
Educators say 276 people were laid off Monday night. The associate superintendent puts the number at 262 or 263 and added that if they see increases in revenue or enrollment, some teachers could be asked to return in seniority. But as of now, the board estimates Santa Ana Unified is losing about five percent of its student population every year. Two thousand students between this year and last year.
Parents and educators said that these layoffs will not help increase enrollment.
Reactions from Educators and Administrators
“I would like to say that I’m not surprised, but I am surprised and disappointed,” Garner-Marcelo said.
“I know that the board and the cabinet and all of our staff, this is weighing heavily on us. We didn’t want to do this,” Hacker said.
Financial Challenges
The district cites a 187 million dollar budget deficit driven by the end of COVID relief funds and a 32% drop in enrollment over the last decade. The president of the Santa Ana Educators Association says the 35,000 currently enrolled deserve fully staffed classrooms.
Conclusion
The decision to lay off nearly 300 employees in the Santa Ana Unified School District reflects the significant challenges the district faces, including declining enrollment and fiscal uncertainty. While the decision aims to ensure the district’s long-term ability to provide services, it is met with disappointment and concern about the impact on students and the potential to further decrease enrollment.
FAQs
- Q: How many employees are being laid off in the Santa Ana Unified School District?
- A: The exact number varies between sources, with educators stating 276 layoffs and the associate superintendent citing 262 or 263.
- Q: What are the primary reasons for these layoffs?
- A: The layoffs are primarily due to fiscal uncertainty resulting from declining enrollment and the end of COVID relief grant funds.
- Q: Is there a possibility for laid-off teachers to return?
- A: Yes, if the district sees increases in revenue or enrollment, some teachers could be asked to return based on seniority.
- Q: How does the district’s budget deficit affect the decision?
- A: The district faces a $187 million budget deficit, largely driven by the end of COVID relief funds and a significant drop in enrollment over the past decade.
