westmoreland —The Westmoreland Union Elementary School District held a special meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 27, to discuss pending actions surrounding the reduction or elimination of certain classified services.
Community members expressed their concerns in public comment and asked the board to take immediate action to prevent future layoffs.
The California Department of Education plans to reduce the cost of living adjustment (COLA) to 0.76%. The board voted to reduce the budget reserve to 8% in order to accommodate the changes without significantly impacting students and employees.
To avoid impact on the classroom environment, the board imposed cost-cutting efforts to meet budget requirements. The superintendent is negotiating to reduce the principal's salary from her 215 days to her 206 days, and the assistant superintendent will waive health insurance, medical benefits, and cell phone benefits. Reductions would be required by the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
Due to lack of work or funding, three administrator positions will have their hours reduced from 5.5 hours to 4 hours. Seven teaching assistants will be removed from their positions.
The Board will determine, on the effective date of June 30, 2024, whether the Superintendent or designated representative will send appropriate notice to employees whose positions are affected by this action. Nothing gives employees any status or rights, and all fired employees are placed on a priority rehiring list should a job become available.
After adjournment, the Board did not adopt, sign, or approve the agenda. Board members adjourned and referred the matter to the next meeting.
The next Westmoreland Union Elementary School District meeting will be held March 12 at 5 p.m.
