Newman-Crows Landing board approves layoff and classified-service reduction after staff plea
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Summary
Trustees approved a certificated layoff resolution and an amended reduction of classified services while a classified‑staff leader urged the board to explore alternatives, citing harm to student supports; the board noted low enrollment but one strong kindergarten registration night.
The Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District board voted Feb. 9 to approve a certificated layoff resolution for the 2026–27 school year and an amended resolution to reduce classified services, after a classified‑staff leader urged trustees to seek alternatives to cuts.
Claudia Diaz, a bilingual instructional aide at Bon Venner and president of the Classified School Employees Association, told the board that “layoffs may look like a budget solution on paper, but in reality they come at a higher cost,” saying cuts would disrupt operations, strain remaining staff and directly affect students.
The certificated‑layoff measure (Resolution No. 25‑26‑06) was approved by roll call with a recorded tally of 4 in favor and 1 opposed. The board also approved an amended reduction/discontinuance of classified services (Resolution No. 25‑26‑07) that corrected one custodial position to 261 days before voting; the amended motion carried after roll call with some trustees recorded as voting no.
Superintendent Pruitt framed the actions within a wider enrollment challenge, saying the district’s enrollment is not increasing and that “we have to give some notices just in case we don't get enough.” He also noted a positive sign: a recent kindergarten registration event recorded 89 registrations in one night, which staff hope will reduce the need for some notices.
Board members acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions and said they were exploring alternatives. Several trustees urged patience and said the board is trying to protect services where possible; the transcript records debate over the motion and an amendment to correct the custodial position’s day count.
The resolutions take effect according to the district’s posted timelines and personnel rules; the board did not adopt additional mitigation measures on the floor at the Feb. 9 meeting. The district will follow its established notice procedures for affected staff and return to the board with any required follow‑up items.