Special Meeting

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Meeting Resources

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Introduction

  • Special Meeting held by the Newark Unified School District (NUSD) Board of Education on an unspecified 2024 date.
  • Key themes: Budget reductions, layoffs, and fiscal sustainability amid a $14 million structural deficit.
  • Focus on resolutions to reduce certificated/classified staff and operational costs to avoid state takeover.

Agenda Items

Budget Reduction Plan (2024-25)

  • Description: Presentation of strategies to address the $14 million structural deficit.
    • Key Points:
      • Proposed $5.1 million in cuts for 2024-25, including:
        • Vacant certificated positions ($2M savings).
        • 5% reductions in vendor contracts and operational services.
        • Administrative reductions ($655K).
        • Consultant/project management cuts ($350K).
      • Declining enrollment and loss of COVID-era funding exacerbate financial strain.
      • Need for procurement efficiency (e.g., leveraging co-op purchasing).
    • Decisions Made:
      • No formal vote; plan presented as part of ongoing budget development.

Classified Layoffs (Resolution 2023-24-24)

  • Description: Approval of layoffs/reduced hours for classified staff due to lack of funds/work.
    • Key Points:
      • Corrections made to position titles (e.g., "part-time library clerk" clarified as a 19.5-hour role).
      • Concerns raised about transparency and retaliation against staff.
    • Decisions Made:
      • Approved 4-1 (Member Nguyen opposed).

Certificated Staff Reductions (Resolution 2023-24-26)

  • Description: Layoffs/reassignments of certificated employees, including Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs).
    • Key Points:
      • Positions tied to programs (e.g., SEAL, technology support) drew criticism for lack of program impact analysis.
    • Decisions Made:
      • Approved 4-1 (Member Nguyen opposed).

Administrative Reassignments (Resolution 2023-24-27)

  • Description: Release/reassignment of certificated administrators.
    • Decisions Made:
      • Approved 4-1 (Member Nguyen opposed).

Public Comments

  • Key Themes:
    • Transparency: Rachel Wood urged weekly “fireside chats” for community engagement.
    • Staff Concerns: Maria Huffer highlighted title discrepancies and reported retaliation/unprofessional leadership.
    • Morale: Community members expressed anxiety over layoffs and staff attrition.

Follow-Up and Commitments

  1. Transparency Measures:
    • Develop org charts and vacancy lists to clarify district office reductions.
    • Investigate staff concerns about retaliation (requested by Member Thomas).
  2. Budget Process:
    • Provide detailed breakdowns of vacant positions and program impacts.
  3. Community Engagement:
    • Explore forums (e.g., fireside chats) for public input on cost-saving ideas.
  4. Exit Interviews:
    • Review exit interview data since 2023 to address staff retention (requested by Member Nguyen).

Conclusion

  • The board approved contested layoffs to address the fiscal crisis, prioritizing local control over potential state intervention.
  • Next steps include refining budget strategies, improving transparency, and engaging the community.
  • Tensions persist over the pace of decision-making and clarity of programmatic impacts.