Board approves reductions in classified and certificated positions as district seeks budget savings

The Chula Vista Elementary School District board approved two resolutions that together reduce district staffing capacity for the 2025–26 school year as part of budget projections presented by district staff.

District staff told the board the recommended discontinuances followed enrollment projections, site-level funding decisions and workload estimates. For classified positions, the district recommended eliminating specific roles that staff said were no longer required; staff estimated the action would save about $521,000.

In response to trustees’ questions, staff said most positions on the discontinuance list are positions (FTE) rather than individual employees and that the district will work with affected employees and labor groups, prioritize vacancies elsewhere, and offer reassignment opportunities where possible. One listed classified position (a delivery driver/storekeeper) was reported as vacant at the time of the presentation; most other positions were currently filled and staff said affected employees would remain employed in their current roles through June 30 while the district works on reassignments.

For certificated staff, the district recommended discontinuing the equivalent of approximately 12.19 certificated FTE based on enrollment and program projections. Staff estimated the budget effect for the certificated discontinuance at about $1.1 million. Trustees pressed staff about whether some of the eliminated positions could be restored if enrollment changes or alternate funding becomes available; Superintendent Dr. Reyes said the district would continue to monitor enrollment and that some positions could be restored if circumstances changed.

The board approved both resolutions. The classified discontinuance resolution was moved by Trustee Dominguez Cervantes and seconded by Vice President DeMaio and carried with the majority in favor and one abstention. The certificated discontinuance resolution was moved by Trustee Dominguez Cervantes and seconded by Trustee Tolson and carried by the board with a majority vote and two abstentions. Trustees asked staff to prioritize returning to the board with options and to work with affected staff and labor partners on reassignments and support.

District staff emphasized that reductions are position-based, not individual-based, and that the district’s staffing office will seek vacancies and placement options for affected employees.