Board approves staff reductions, hires and transfers as district balances budget amid enrollment decline

At its meeting the Douglas Unified School District Board of Education approved multiple personnel actions intended to align staffing with declining enrollment and M&O (maintenance and operations) budget pressures while also authorizing routine hires and transfers.

Superintendent Nydia Samaniego presented a slate of recommendations that included certified contract renewals, a recommended certified hire to cover curriculum and federal programs for the 2025–26 year, a classified resignation acceptance, an internal classified transfer to the purchasing specialist role, creation and placement of a new elementary assistant principal job, and a list of proposed reductions tied to vacancies and grant-funded positions.

Public comment from teachers, union leaders and parents emphasized concern over shifting information and asked the board to delay decisions until more data was provided. “The ongoing flux of information has created uncertainty and widespread concerns across the district,” Martha Alonso, president of the Douglas Educators Association, told the board, asking for a postponement. Several speakers suggested alternative savings and community engagement (for example, converting preschool seats to full-day…