IT staffer warns of possible layoffs tied to $6 million shortfall; board later approves classified layoff resolution

An IT support technician told the La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board he faces the prospect of being laid off as the district works toward a reported $6,000,000 budget reduction, and the board later approved a human resources resolution to discontinue services and lay off a classified employee.

"Tonight, I stand before you all facing the possibility of being laid off to offset the $6,000,000 deficit we see ourselves in today," Alexander Simsay told the board during public comment, describing the district9s classified IT support team and warning that cuts would affect students who rely on technology support.

Board members and staff said the district is working through staffing and budget reductions but does not yet have a final savings total. A staff member told the board the district must demonstrate a $6,000,000 reduction to the County Office of Education and that exact savings depend on final certificated staffing decisions.

Later in the meeting, the board considered and approved item 9b, a "resolution of discontinuation of services and layoff of classified employee." The motion was made and seconded and the board voted in favor; the transcript records vocal "ayes" but does not list a detailed numerical tally.

Separately, a staff member answered questions about a previously approved PARS supplementary retirement plan and said the district is continuing to review options and apply restricted funds and grants where appropriate to preserve programs. The board approved several consent items, policy updates and personnel actions during the meeting.

The district did not provide a precise breakdown of which positions would be affected by the reductions at the meeting. Superintendent remarks later in the meeting emphasized support for families and staff and disputed social-media reports about outside law-enforcement presence at schools.