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Board approves resolutions to reduce vacated certificated and classified positions; unions press for more bargaining time
Summary
The Newark Unified board adopted resolutions that identify certain vacant certificated positions as particular kinds of service (PKS) to be closed and authorized reductions of classified services totaling 6.8 FTE; teachers and classified unions urged transparency and more negotiation days.
The Newark Unified Board of Education on March 3 adopted multiple personnel resolutions that authorize the district to close certain vacant certificated positions and to reduce or eliminate specified classified positions for the 2026-27 school year.
Administration presented a PKS (particular kinds of service) resolution that identifies vacant certificated positions that may be closed effective July 1, 2026. Staff clarified that the PKS action affects positions (no incumbents in those slots) and is a procedural step that avoids laying off currently serving probationary or permanent certificated employees. The board also approved a separate resolution establishing tie-breaking criteria to determine layoff order when employees have identical seniority dates, as required by education code.
On classified staffing, the board adopted a resolution authorizing the reduction or elimination of classified positions totaling 6.8 full-time-equivalent positions due to lack of work or lack of funds. Administration said the resolution includes both staffed and vacant positions and authorizes the superintendent (or designee) to notify affected employees as required by law. The vote on the classified resolution passed, 4-1, with Member Hill voting no; the student board member does not vote on personnel items.
Before those votes, public commenters and union representatives pressed the board on contract negotiations and the timetable for bargaining. Representatives from the Newark Teachers Association (Rachel Bloom) and CSEA (Sarah Keeser) criticized the limited number of formal bargaining days offered by the district and expressed frustration with perceived delays and lack of transparency. NTA representatives said they had prepared proposals well in advance and asked the board to insist on more robust bargaining schedules.
Several employees also addressed the board about the release of temporary certificated employees, asking whether listed positions in the exhibit were actual filled assignments or clerical placeholders. Administration responded that the exhibit identifies employees who were hired on temporary contracts; staff said they would check for clerical errors in job descriptions and confirmed the formal process for releasing temporary employees. The board approved the release schedule while directing staff to verify exhibits before finalization.
The board's actions set in motion notification steps required by statute; administration indicated impacted employees will be notified per the governing timelines and that follow-up details will be provided to the board.
