350 BUSD staff notified of possible layoff or reassignment

"California law requires school districts to notify employees of potential layoffs by March 15 each year, and issue final notices by May 15. Because most of BUSD's funding comes from the state, the district won't know its budget until June when California finalizes its own budget. BUSD officials have said they may rescind any layoff notices that are eventually issued, once that revenue is confirmed."

"This year, the district sent a slightly lower number of preliminary notices, with 120 going to classified employees, or support positions that don't require a special license, and another 231 to credentialed classroom staff. Although some teachers could be reassigned, BUSD officials said they are confident the district won't need to lay off credentialed instructors because retirements and resignations should make up for the need to do so."

"There is no similar reassignment option for classified employees, which includes kitchen, custodial, and facilities staff. This means the preliminary notices sent to these workers are more likely to result in layoffs if the district cannot find the money to keep them."

Berkeley Unified School District announced 351 preliminary layoff or reassignment notices in response to budget constraints. California law requires districts to notify employees of potential layoffs by March 15 and issue final notices by May 15. Since BUSD's funding primarily comes from state sources, the district cannot confirm its budget until June when California finalizes its own budget. Of the preliminary notices, 120 went to classified employees in support positions and 231 to credentialed classroom staff. District officials indicated confidence that teacher layoffs can be avoided through natural attrition from retirements and resignations. Classified employees, including kitchen, custodial, and facilities staff, face greater layoff risk as they lack reassignment options. The district issued similar notices last year, though most were ultimately rescinded.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org