by Timothy Rutt
The Pasadena Unified School District board voted to authorize "reduction in force' notices at its Feb. 26 meeting, as it looks at cutting more than 80 certificated positions, with more to come.
The board is facing an estimated deficit of between $7 million and $12 million for the 2013-2014 school year. By law, employees with a credential -- including teachers, nurses, counselors, and administrators -- must be notified by March 15 that their positions are being considered for elimination. The board voted 4-3 to authorize a reduction in force of 81.5 certificated positions.
“Voter approval of Proposition 30 cut our deficit in half, but PUSD is still facing the expiration of grants and declining enrollment,” said PUSD Superintendent Jon R. Gundry in a district press release. “There are still many variables to factor in this spring, including the effects of the federal sequestration, the fate of Governor Brown’s local control funding formula and the final makeup of the 2013-2014 state budget. Authorizing reduction in force notices means that PUSD has the flexibility to prepare for a worst-case scenario.”
According to the release, the school district could receive supplemental funding for English learners, foster youth, and students eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. Such additional funding could reduce the district deficit by $5.1 million.
The relase said that PUSD has had to make more than $26.2 million in cuts since 2010. While it has issued of a total of 365 reduction in force notices, the district has been able to restore all but 23 positions in that time. The district currently employs 1035 certificated employees, including 922 teachers.
