Board approves personnel reductions, nonreelection and second interim budget; nominates CSBA delegate

The Rescue Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees voted on multiple action items at its meeting, including nominations, personnel resolutions and the district’s second interim budget.

CSBA delegate: The board agreed to cast its regional ballot for Jessica Rogers for the California School Boards Association (CSBA) delegate assembly for Subregion 6C. A motion to nominate and support Jessica Rogers was moved, seconded and approved.

Certificated reductions and nonreelection: The board adopted Resolution 25-01 to eliminate or reduce certificated positions because of lack of funds or lack of work. The district identified two certificated positions proposed for elimination: a districtwide counseling position and a roving RSP (Resource Specialist Program) teaching position. The board then adopted Resolution 25-02 to nonreelect a certificated employee identified by employee ID 4239, in accordance with Education Code 44929.21. Notices required by Education Code 44949 and 44955 (timing for notices of layoff/termination) were cited during discussion.

Classified reductions: The board approved Resolution 25-03 to reduce hours and/or eliminate classified positions for the 2025–26 year due to lack of funds or work. The district listed the affected positions as: a mechanic assistant; three food service worker positions (with incremental minute/hour reductions described in materials); one kindergarten instructional aide; two Title I instructional aides (2.5 hours each); and one regular instructional aide (6 hours). District staff explained much of the change represents returning temporary or extra hours to normal schedules (for example, food-service hours incurred while a site kitchen was out of service) and reductions in Title I hours that had been covered by supplies funding.

Mechanic position discussion: Staff and trustees discussed the mechanic-assistant position in detail. The district is negotiating a revised mechanic job description with CSEA because the fleet’s needs (including electric buses) require different duties than previously expected. Staff said the intent is to transition the current assistant mechanic into a revised mechanic role where possible; if negotiations fail and the district still needs two mechanics, the layoff notice would be rescinded. The board approved the resolution while staff continues to negotiate and seek internal placement opportunities for affected employees.

Budget: The board adopted the district’s second interim budget and its certifications, with staff reporting the district as "positive" at second interim. Presenters described updated assumptions: 1.7% COLA used for the current year in the model, updated STRS and PERS estimates, a small ADA (average daily attendance) decrease of about 5 ADA compared with first interim, one-time grant spending finishing this year, and estimated year-end general fund increases that include site donations and adjustments for unfilled positions. Staff reported approximately $1.5 million additional ending fund balance projected at the end of the current year compared with prior projections and said the district expects to maintain a 10% reserve through 2026–27 under current assumptions.

Consent agenda and minutes: The board approved the remainder of the consent agenda after pulling item 7 (minutes from 01/28/2025) to return for later consideration. Several action items were moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.

Votes were recorded by voice; board members moved and seconded the measures and the chair called for the ayes. The board's motions carried on each agenda item voted during the meeting.