Board adopts fiscal stabilization plan and keeps three district nurses for 2025–26

The East Whittier City School District Board of Education on Tuesday approved a fiscal stabilization plan for the 2025–26 school year and voted to retain the district’s three school nurses for 2025–26.

Board members approved the plan after a presentation by district staff that outlined projected shortfalls, a possible increase in Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) funding in the governor’s proposal, and temporary grant funding that will extend two social-worker positions at Granada and East Whittier Middle School for two more years. The board’s vote preserves the three nurses for 2025–26 while other position reductions listed in the plan remain subject to final budget actions later this spring.

District presenters told the board the ELOP increase in the governor’s proposal could add about $4 million for extended-learning work but cautioned that the May revision and other state actions will determine final revenue. Staff said the action before the board was limited to identifying the positions that would be reduced for 2025–26 (titles only, no names). Human-resources staff and administrators will later determine who may be affected under the board-approved list if reductions proceed.

Board members raised questions about specific positions and savings. District staff noted one change since the last presentation: two school social worker positions that were scheduled to sunset were extended using temporary grant funding. The administration recommended, and the board approved, not reducing nursing positions for 2025–26; the board emphasized that this vote covers only the reductions listed for 2025–26 and that further adjustments could follow after the May revise and the district’s adopted budget.

Votes at a glance - Fiscal stabilization plan (action to adopt titles of positions to be reduced for 2025–26): approved, tally 4 yes, 1 no. (Names recorded in the roll call during the meeting: Ms. Carrera — yes; Ms. Hernandez — yes; Mrs. Dabbs — yes; Mr. Fjoka — no; Mr. Aparicio — yes.) - Concrete/asphalt replacement project (BYR 20-4-16) accepted as complete, staff authorized to file notice of completion for JB Bossa Company, Inc.: approved, unanimous. - 2025–26 instructional calendar: approved, unanimous. - Granada Middle School overnight field trip: approved, unanimous. - Consent agenda items J3–J11: approved, unanimous.

Why it matters: The stabilization plan directs which position titles may be reduced if revenue falls short; retaining the nurses preserves a core student-safety function while other operational and instructional positions remain part of ongoing budget negotiations. Final decisions may change after the state May revise and when the district adopts its budget.

What’s next: The district will present the list of titles to be reduced on Feb. 18 as required and HR will begin the process of identifying affected employees where applicable. The board and administration said they will revisit reductions in June when more state revenue information is available.