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Parents and unions warn Coachella Valley Unified cuts are harming students and may violate labor rules
Summary
Parents, paraeducators and union leaders told the Coachella Valley Unified School District board that recent layoffs and transfers of classified work — including libraries, bilingual psychologist technicians and IMAs — risk violating labor rules and the Williams Act and could leave students without required services.
Parents, classified employees and union leaders urged the Coachella Valley Unified School District board on Monday to reverse recent cuts and illegal transfers of classified duties, saying the reductions threaten basic student services such as libraries, special-education supports and transportation.
"We are talking about shutting the door to knowledge and opportunity for thousands of children," CSEA member Billy Franco told the trustees, saying the district has laid off 106 classified employees and that the Public Employment Relations Board has issued a formal complaint against CVUSD for unfair labor practices. He called on the board to direct district negotiators to return to the table and restore jobs.
Several speakers described chaotic registration events and missing instructional materials. Parent Bianca Lomeli said she updated the parent portal on time but was told high school textbooks would not be distributed and staff could not say when students would receive them. "How are students supposed to start the school year without the materials they need?" she asked, invoking the Williams Act requirement for access to instructional materials.
Paraeducators and IMAs (instructional media assistants) emphasized the role of consistent staff for vulnerable students. "For the neurodivergent brain, consistency is not a luxury but a necessity," said paraeducator Victoria Jaime, who urged the board to reconsider cuts that remove one-on-one supports.
Union leaders warned of financial and legal consequences if the district fails to restore positions. Adam Weinberger, president of the California School Employees Association chapter representing Coachella employees, said mediation had produced a commitment to provide a counterproposal by Aug. 15 addressing reinstatements and benefits. He added that prolonged litigation could lead to "millions in potential back pay liability."
Longtime district employee Sergio Duran urged the superintendent to investigate HR decision-making and alleged favoritism in assignments after layoffs.
Superintendent Dr. Francis Esparza acknowledged the district's fiscal crisis and said mediation continues. He told the board and the public the district had offered an option of five hours at 10.5 months for some positions, which was rejected, and that the fiscal stabilization plan requires difficult decisions to maintain a 3% reserve across a three-year budget horizon.
The board did not reverse any layoffs at the meeting. Trustees repeatedly thanked speakers for their participation and said staff and board members were working to finalize transition plans and maintain services while pursuing fiscal stability.
Next steps: CSEA and the district continue mediation; the union expected a district counterproposal by Aug. 15, according to speakers. Several public commenters said they will file complaints with the California Department of Education or pursue PERB processes if problems are not resolved.
