Santa Ana Unified School District Layoff Vote Passes
300 Employees Eliminated Across Schools
The Santa Ana Unified School District passed a vote on Friday night to eliminate nearly 300 employees across its schools. The decision was met with disappointment and frustration from those who opposed the layoffs, citing concerns about the impact on students and staff.
Superintendent’s Salary and Raise Not Enough to Stave Off Layoffs
Those against the layoffs pointed out that the superintendent makes $450,000 a year and is slated to receive a raise, while teachers and counselors are being cut. “It’s bad leadership and who pays the price at the end of the day our children and our families,” said Valerie Amezcua, the mayor of Santa Ana.
Financial Deficit Blamed on Pandemic Hiring and COVID Relief Funds
Associate Superintendent Ron Hacker presented the district’s financials to the board, citing a $187 million budget deficit due to hiring during the pandemic and the ending of COVID relief funds. “With those 460 additional certificated employees, from a financial standpoint, we just can’t have those certificated employees in place,” said Hacker.
Teachers and Mayor Question District’s Financial Claims
Despite Hacker’s claims, many teachers and the mayor do not agree with the numbers. “I was like ‘you don’t understand the budget this is three years out, today we are in good standing so why are you laying off counselors and teachers,” said Amezcua.
Students Need Resources, Say Teachers and Mayor
Those against the cuts also argue that students in Santa Ana desperately need resources. “Our students struggling with reading and writing social-emotional needs. I don’t have enough support with our students,” said Stephanie Stotelmeyer, a special education teacher and SAEA union leader.
Budget Issues Not Unique to Santa Ana, Says Hacker
Hacker says Santa Ana is one of many districts facing budget issues due to the ending of COVID relief funds and notes that they will also be forced to make difficult decisions. “We have the highest rate of declining enrollment in Orange County. And the impact pandemic hit us deeply, but all districts are facing this,” said Hacker.
Pink Slips to Go Out by March 15
Pink slips have to go out by March 15, and the union that represents educators in Santa Ana says it isn’t over yet. They will be working to get the board to rescind their vote and keep those jobs.
Conclusion
The Santa Ana Unified School District’s decision to eliminate nearly 300 employees has sparked outrage and concern about the impact on students and staff. While the district cites a budget deficit, many question the necessity of these layoffs and the priorities being made. The union is working to reverse the decision, but for now, the fate of these employees remains uncertain.
FAQs
* What is the reason for the layoffs?
The district blames a $187 million budget deficit due to hiring during the pandemic and the ending of COVID relief funds.
* How many employees will be laid off?
Nearly 300 employees across the district’s schools.
* What is the superintendent’s salary?
The superintendent makes $450,000 a year and is slated to receive a raise.
* What is the union’s plan to reverse the decision?
The union will work to get the board to rescind their vote and keep the jobs.
