Pomona Unified board rejects proposed cuts to classified positions; approves Golden Springs construction procurement template
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Summary
Trustees declined to adopt a resolution that would have initiated notices to reduce 26 classified positions (vote failed 3‑2), and instead approved lease‑leaseback procurement templates for the Golden Springs Elementary School project (4 in favor, 1 not voting).
Pomona Unified’s Board of Education narrowly rejected a staff proposal to initiate notices for the elimination or reduction of classified positions and approved contracting templates for a school construction project during its March 11 meeting.
Human Resources staff presented Resolution 18, described as initiating the notice process for the reduction of 26 classified positions due to "lack of work or lack of funds," and said they had worked with unions and affected employees to identify reassignment and transfer options. The Human Resources presenter stated that the district’s intent was to avoid involuntary separations where possible and that arrangements had been found in most cases. "This will not result in any employee separation from the district," the presenter said during the discussion.
Trustees questioned whether student services and paraeducator ratios would be preserved and sought details about how positions are tied to specific sites and consolidation plans. After debate and a roll‑call vote the motion failed on a 3‑no, 2‑yes result (motion fails), leaving the proposed eliminations unapproved at this time.
On a separate item, the board adopted Resolution 22 approving the form templates (RFP, preconstruction and construction services agreements) to be used in soliciting a lease‑leaseback contractor for the Golden Springs Elementary School Project. Issela Vasquez summarized the procurement documents and told the board the template agreements may be refined for project‑specific needs. The board approved Resolution 22 with four members voting in favor and one board member recorded as not voting.
Why it matters: The failed personnel resolution halts a district step that would have formally initiated notice timelines under Education Code procedures and signals trustees’ concerns about student impacts, staffing and transparency. Approval of the construction procurement templates allows the district to proceed with a competitive process to select a contractor for the Golden Springs project.
Votes and formal actions recorded in the meeting transcript: Resolution 18 (reduction of classified positions) — motion failed on a roll‑call tally of yes:2, no:3. Resolution 22 (lease‑leaseback templates) — approved (4 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 not voting). Public‑hearing items accepting CSEA and district initial bargaining proposals were also adopted on 5‑0 votes.
What’s next: Staff said consolidation planning and final staffing determinations remain under discussion and that any future board action would reflect updated information and site‑specific impact analyses. For the Golden Springs project, staff will proceed with the solicitation using the approved templates and return with project‑specific contract terms.
