PVPUSD board approves second interim budget, issues multiple personnel notices amid projected deficits

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District board on March 11 approved the district's second interim budget certification and reported several personnel actions taken in closed session, including layoffs, releases and non‑reelection notices.

In open session the board voted 5–0 to approve the second interim report after a presentation from finance staff showing the district is deficit spending and that issuing March 15 notifications is required by state law to preserve the district's ability to make programmatic adjustments. “These decisions are never easy,” Superintendent Dr. Serrano said, explaining that notices do not guarantee a position will ultimately be reduced but are required to retain flexibility under Education Code timelines.

Finance staff told the board the second interim covers data through Jan. 31 and that the district is filing a positive certification while projecting an unrestricted structural deficit of roughly $1.4 million in the current year. The presentation noted a 15‑month California budget cycle, updated COLA estimates that lower projected revenues for future years, and a mix of one‑time and restricted funds (site gifts, Prop 28, parcel tax carryover) that mask some of the structural shortfall. Board members and staff discussed enrollment averaging, step and column costs, facilities rental revenue, and the distinction between restricted carryover and structural deficits.

The board also reported multiple closed‑session personnel resolutions. The district said it adopted a resolution to lay off several classified positions (listing one attendance clerk, multiple media assistant/tech‑aid roles, computer aid/tech‑aid positions, a compliance specialist, music specialists, transitional kindergarten aides and reduced hours for a pool technician) and directed the superintendent to provide notices. The board reported issuing resolution notices (Nos. 20–23) for non‑reelection or release of identified certificated employees under cited Education Code sections and a discontinuance of eight FTE in particular certificated services (including ELL, art, physical education, RTI, VAPA, counselor on special assignment and associate principal services).

Board members said the district has worked to limit programmatic impacts on classrooms and cited measures taken to reduce costs, including a supplementary retirement incentive program and a careful staffing review. “Our goal is always to have reductions that least impact the classroom,” one member said during the discussion.

Several public commenters urged the board to reconsider cuts or increase oversight: a parent asked the board to retain technology aides because they allow teachers to teach rather than troubleshoot tech; another resident urged strict oversight of construction contractors to prevent corner‑cutting around asbestos and lead protocols; and a parent requested that an employee known as “Miss Mimi” at Montalaga Elementary be retained because she provides essential day‑to‑day support and school spirit.

Staff said the district is continuing programmatic reviews of two centrally funded areas — technology aides and the elementary music program — and will communicate with impacted staff and families as plans are finalized. The finance presentation and board discussion set a calendar for budget work through the May Revise and June budget adoption; staff said any savings from the supplementary early retirement program or results of negotiations with labor partners will be incorporated into the June budget adoption.

Formal actions reported by the board were described to the public in open session and staff confirmed legal notices will be provided to affected employees. The board is scheduled to present the draft budget and LCAP in June and adopt a final budget later in the month after May Revise details are known.

The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.