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Vallejo school employees, parents and union leaders urge district to halt layoffs as communications spending rises
Summary
Public commenters at the Vallejo city–VCUSD 2-by-2 meeting urged the district to reconsider planned layoffs affecting classified staff and redirect discretionary spending, noting alleged unused federal funds and a rise in communications spending.
Scores of Vallejo school employees, parents and union leaders warned the city–district 2-by-2 committee that proposed layoffs and school closures will harm student supports, safety and community confidence.
"$30,000,000 is a lot," Kathleen Solis Tijen, president of the Vallejo chapter of CSEA, told the committee, saying more than 150 classified employees face cuts and questioning why the district projects a roughly $8 million increase in communications spending while cutting staff. "Wouldn't you want your people more than you would want a communications budget?"
Nikki Arenal, an academic support provider and parent, said positions that connect students to trusted adults often cannot be replaced by short-term measures. She told the committee that nearly $770,000 in federal education funding had gone unused while district communication spending increased by more than $8 million. "Before removing the adult students rely on everyday, shouldn't every available resource be fully used first?" she asked.
Maintenance staff on layoff lists described immediate effects on campus safety and morale. Tom Hoey, the district's senior lead painter, said fewer skilled workers mean classrooms and campuses can become less welcoming and safe. "Layoffs mean fewer skilled workers maintaining our campuses," Hoey said. "That affects safety, morale, and the confidence families have in their schools." Butch Crane, a senior lead groundskeeper, warned closures and staff cuts disproportionately affect vulnerable students and urged the board to reconsider.
April Nelson, a special-education teacher, pressed the committee to prioritize special-education services, saying federal special-education funds should be used "especially for our children, not for new furniture." The superintendent and other officials heard repeated calls for clearer financial prioritization and more collaboration with staff and unions.
Chair, who identified as both an elected official and a VCUSD employee, emphasized interagency collaboration and urged a negotiated approach to avoid protracted disputes that could harm students.
The meeting included no formal vote on layoffs; the public comment period was followed by routine agenda business. The board did approve the consent calendar by roll-call vote earlier in the meeting.
