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Vallejo board adopts resolution to cut classified positions amid warnings of a negative fund balance
Summary
The board unanimously approved Resolution 5105 to discontinue classified positions for 2026–27, citing a Solano County Office of Education projection that 214.95 FTE reductions are needed to avoid negative fund balances; the district said it will implement 142.256 classified FTE reductions now and notify affected employees under state law.
The Vallejo City Unified School District governing board voted to adopt Resolution 5105 on Jan. 14, authorizing the reduction or discontinuance of classified positions for the 2026–27 school year because of fiscal constraints.
Matt Chamberlain, the district’s assistant superintendent of human resources, told trustees the Solano County Office of Education had warned the district that without implementation of 214.95 full-time-equivalent (FTE) staffing reductions, the district faces the risk of negative fund balances in 2026–27 and 2027–28. Chamberlain said the district is proposing to implement 142.256 classified FTE reductions now and will present proposed certificated reductions next month.
“Fiscal year 26–27 will be a pivotal year for the district,” Chamberlain read from county correspondence, saying the district’s multi-year projections show negative fund balance risk unless staffing reductions are implemented. He said the district aims to “right size” staffing to restore long-term fiscal stability.
Members of the public, including current and retired classified employees, urged the board to delay or clarify the plan. Edwin “Butch” Crane, a 14-year district grounds employee, said widespread notice without a clear plan had created “major panic” among staff and argued the district should share next-phase plans with employees before voting. Mary Crane Morrow, a recent retiree, told trustees many of the proposed reductions appear to fall on CSEA-classified staff and said community members are concerned about who will perform essential daily tasks if positions are eliminated.
Trustees pressed staff for detail about the county’s projection and timeline. Chamberlain said notices to affected employees will be sent per Education Code Section 45117 and that the district does not want to add positions back in future years in ways that would undermine fiscal recovery. Trustees also noted the district had recently exited long-term receivership and that the county and state could impose oversight again if fiscal problems persist.
Vice President Flores moved to adopt Resolution 5105 and Trustee Hodges seconded. The resolution passed by roll call (5 yes). Chamberlain said certificated reduction proposals will be brought to the board on Feb. 11.
The board’s action directs the superintendent or designee to provide statutory notices to affected employees; the district said it will continue to engage with unions and staff as it implements the reductions.
