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UTLA teachers protesting at Carver Middle School (photo credit: UTLA)
Despite assertions by Superintendent Ramon Cortines that the 2015-16 balanced budget — up for approval tomorrow by the LA Unified school board — included more than 600 job cuts, it appears that district officials are rescinding some of those layoffs.
In March, the board passed a fiscal stabilization plan that triggered 609 Reduction in Force notices to a combination of adult education, elementary and secondary school teachers, as well as counselors and psychiatric social workers.
But over the last few months Debra Duardo, Executive Director Student Health and Human Services, managed to retain 122 of the positions.
In an email to Cortines on June 10, Duardo wrote, “I am very pleased to inform you that all current Student Health and Human Services Staff will have a position next year, including Nurses, Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors, Psychiatric Social Workers and Healthy Start staff.”
“I want to personally thank you for your continued advocacy for our programs and promoting the importance of providing support services to students,” she added. “The investment you and the Board continue to make in Student Health and Human Services Staff helps to ensure every student is prepared and able to learn.”
Alex Caputo-Pearl, president of the teachers union, told LA School Report that UTLA is continuing talks to reverse several hundred additional pink slips. UTLA represents teachers and health and human services employees.
“It’s a step in the right direction but there is a lot more to do,” he said.
While another 214 adult education teachers and 199 elementary and secondary school teachers were also issued layoff notices, about 45 successfully appealed the RIFs with the state labor board. A judge has ordered the district to reinstate those teachers in the fall.