LAHera2024
As Pasadena Unified School District board members reduce expenses for the next school year, more than 150 teachers—many of whom lost their homes in the Eaton Fire—will now lose their jobs.
An hours-long discussion Thursday night resulted in a 6 to 1 vote to pass the resolution.
Before the vote, a school board spokesperson told Rachel Menitoff of KTLA that although it is a very tough choice, the need for cuts existed before the fires.
Due to several factors, it might be required to keep the school system afloat. It is the result of a $37 million shortfall that existed prior to COVID.
The school system stated that it intends to make $12 million in cuts this year as a result.
The same thing keeps coming up: «We overspent.» What are we going to do because we have no money? «Oh, we’ll just fire teachers,» Karina Evans, a second-grade teacher, remarked.
The expiration of COVID-19 emergency money, increased costs in many California schools, and dwindling enrollment are the reasons given by officials for the need for cuts.
«Cuts are focused on the central office to minimize classroom disruption, and we are committed to supporting affected employees,» the School District said in a statement released Friday morning. We acknowledge the significance of this choice and really appreciate the commitment of our employees. Providing each kid with a top-notch education continues to be our top goal.
Pasadena Teachers Union President Jonathan Gardner told KTLA that he would like to present his alternative solution proposal to the board.
«The unrestricted outside contractors have increased from $10 million to $30 million over the past five years,» Gardner added. «They’re talking about $37 million over the next three years, which alone would save us enough money to avoid having to lay off any teachers.»
According to Superintendent Elizabeth Blanco, some of the jobs on the «chopping block» are open right now, while others may be moved based on seniority.
Teachers with limited contracts, such as Bryan Strehl, who has only been teaching for a year, are particularly vulnerable.
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