Educators strongly oppose the San Diego Unified School District’s (SDUSD) plan to lay off teachers. While there is a need for some staffing adjustments, due to declining enrollment, these district layoffs are not the most effective solution. A recent review of the District budget shows millions of dollars in reserves, less than anticipated spending on salaries, and bloated budgets for books and supplies. These sources are more than sufficient to avoid the layoffs currently contemplated by the District.
Layoffs Counterproductive Amidst Teacher Shortage
The current critical teacher shortage makes it such that we need to hold on to all teachers, while smartly navigating the need to cut staffing. The preliminary layoffs would send a negative message about SDUSD as an employer which could deter potential hires and exacerbate the existing staffing challenges—especially in areas like special education.
Attrition-Based Staffing Adjustments is the Way to Go
An alternative approach that relies on attrition, the natural reduction in staff through retirement, resignation, or other factors is the only reasonable path to avoiding layoffs, By not filling vacated positions, SDUSD could achieve necessary staffing adjustments without resorting to layoffs. This approach also includes utilizing existing reserves or designated budget allocations to address any unforeseen staffing needs.
Our Important Wage Increases Are Not Causing These Layoffs
This year, the full 15% wage increase secured through our union contract will be fully implemented. These wage increases were crucial to attracting and retaining top talent, thereby ensuring a strong foundation for our students’ success.
Here’s the good news: despite these well-deserved pay raises, a recent review of the District’s budget shows that the SDUSD is currently projected to spend less on teacher salaries than originally budgeted for at the start of the year, even after accounting for the 15% raise!
SDEA Urges SDUSD to Utilize Existing Resources
Other identified areas where SDUSD could find resources to avoid layoffs. These include:
- Unrestricted Reserves: The District’s growing unrestricted reserves, which are projected to reach $67.5 million by the end of this year, are more than sufficient to avoid layoffs.
- Scrutinizing Restricted Sources: SDUSD must explore all options within restricted funding sources to further mitigate the need for layoffs. At current projections, the District is slated to end the school year with over $315 million in restricted balances. While the term connotes these monies are restricted for specific uses, it’s imperative for SDUSD to go through its restricted budget with a fine-tooth comb and find solutions to avoid these layoffs.
- Optimizing Budget Allocations: SDUSD is showing a significant increase in spending on Books & Supplies, suggesting these funds could be redirected to avoid layoffs.
A World Without Layoffs Is Possible
San Diego Unified School District should prioritize retaining its valued educators through attrition-based staffing adjustments rather than resorting to layoffs. This not only avoids sending a negative message to potential hires but also helps maintain the strong foundation our schools need for student success. We urge the SDUSD to utilize existing resources, such as unrestricted reserves, scrutinize restricted funds, and optimize budget allocations, to ensure a future where our schools are not only well-staffed but also equipped to offer the best possible education for all.
