Employees, union leaders press Simi Valley Unified board to restore library technician roles

At the public‑comment portion of the meeting, multiple employees and union representatives urged the Simi Valley Unified School District board to restore library technician positions and to produce a long‑range plan that minimizes cuts to student‑facing services.

Richard Rubino, a 25‑year district employee, said he enjoyed his work but criticized the loss of library technician roles and asked the board to "bring those jobs back," noting the positions’ direct impact on students. “We need to bring those jobs back,” he said, and urged redirecting expenditures rather than cutting site staff.

The president of the CME Educators Association told the board that 12 certificated employees had received preliminary reduction‑in‑force notices and asked the district to conduct an essential‑task analysis of Educational Services to identify which duties are state‑mandated and which could be reallocated so funds might be redirected to school sites. The representative framed the issue as one of livelihoods and student services and warned that declining enrollment will require long‑term strategic planning.

A second public speaker said the district had previously promised to explore alternatives; she reported that district leadership had told union negotiators the question of library technician positions was "done" and not subject to further reallocation, a position that drew audible disappointment from the audience.

Trustees acknowledged the emotional stakes and repeated the need to balance budget realities with the human impact of staffing reductions. The board did not reverse prior votes at this meeting; speakers asked for more transparent planning and a study to identify essential tasks and potential reorganization options before final RIF notices are issued.