Berkeley's after-school coordinators still set to lose jobs after most other layoff notices are rescinded

"Twenty-one non-teaching positions in the Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) remain on the layoff and reduction list, a sharp decline from the original 351 notices issued in March. All nine after-school program coordinators, two part-time instructional assistants at Franklin Preschool and a Berkeley High restorative justice coordinator are among those still facing layoffs as of Monday. BUSD is considering restructuring the after-school care program to function without coordinators."

"Only support staff are facing cuts this year after the Berkeley teachers' union secured a contract that prevents reductions to teaching positions. Other positions receiving final notices are a classified professional development coordinator, a part-time instructional dance specialist, a BHS administrative assistant, and a part-time campus aide. Three instructional specialists in cooking and gardening and a school safety officer at the adult school may see their roles reduced."

"Employees must receive final notices by May 14, though the district can rescind them through the end of June if additional resources are found. (Last year, BUSD withdrew most of its layoff and reduction notices following late budget-cycle adjustments.) Making these decisions is the worst part of this job, BUSD school board member Jennifer Shanoski said during Wednesday's meeting."

"We are facing a huge budget shortfall this coming year. It is a zero-sum game when it comes to budgeting for our district. BUSD is working to close a nearly $8 million budget deficit for this school year. The district is seeing decreased revenue tied to students' average daily attendance, alongside the expiration of onetime COVID-19 relief grants. A reduction to California's Proposition 98 guarantee could also cost the district up to $7.8 million."

Twenty-one non-teaching positions in the Berkeley Unified School District remain on the layoff and reduction list after a decline from 351 notices issued in March. Nine after-school program coordinators, two part-time instructional assistants at Franklin Preschool, and a Berkeley High restorative justice coordinator are still facing layoffs. The district is considering restructuring after-school care to operate without coordinators. Only support staff are facing cuts this year because a teachers’ union contract prevents reductions to teaching positions. Other final notices include a classified professional development coordinator, a part-time instructional dance specialist, a BHS administrative assistant, and a part-time campus aide. Instructional specialists in cooking and gardening and a school safety officer at the adult school may see reduced roles. Final notices must be issued by May 14, with possible rescission through June if resources are found. The district is closing a nearly $8 million deficit driven by lower revenue from average daily attendance and the expiration of one-time COVID-19 relief grants, with potential additional losses from Proposition 98 changes.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org