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Board approves reduction of paraprofessional hours amid concerns from unions
Summary
The Board approved a resolution to reduce paraprofessional hours/FTE due to lack of funds and consolidations; union leaders said layoffs were distressing and urged review of the process, while administration said efforts were made to minimize job loss.
The Board approved a resolution on Oct. 23 to reduce paraprofessional services (identified as 3.0 FTE professionals and specific paraprofessional hours) because of consolidations and funding shortfalls. The resolution directs the superintendent or designee to give layoff notices no later than 45 days before the effective date (Dec. 8, 2007).
Union leaders from the paraprofessionals’ unit and United Educators of San Francisco urged the Board to avoid layoffs and criticized the process, saying school-site council actions and budget documents used to justify consolidations were unclear or disputed. UESF and paraprofessional representatives said paraprofessionals are frontline staff who know students and families and that cuts are disproportionately borne by these staff.
District staff said the administration worked to minimize layoffs and, in some cases, transfer affected employees to alternative positions; Commissioners asked clarifying questions about wording (“lack of work” vs. “lack of funds”) and about the extent of consolidations. The roll call recorded the motion as approved with votes recorded (four ayes as reported in the transcript).
The resolution includes direction to provide notices and follow applicable layoff procedures; district HR and labor relations were assigned to implement the action and to report back on placement and appeal opportunities.
