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Perris Union High trustees remove proposed layoffs after pleas from coach and students
Summary
After public comment from a longtime coach and dozens of students, the Perris Union High School District board on March 12 voted to remove a proposed certificated‑staff layoff item from the agenda and pledged to work with unions and staff to find alternatives.
Trustees for the Perris Union High School District voted March 12 to remove an agenda item that would have recommended the reduction of six certificated positions, after public speakers urged the board to spare staff and preserve programs.
In public comment before the vote, Paloma Valley coach Steven Cass said he has been with Paloma Valley since 2003, cited his 300th career win and argued that students choose the district because of programs and coaches. "Please please please do not vote for layoffs and leave me P Valley," Cass said during his three minutes.
Student and community speakers followed. Several students and parents urged the board to reconsider recent administrator reassignments at Paris Lake High School and to protect staff who, they said, have helped turn around student outcomes. Vanessa Vias, identifying herself as a student leader at Paris Lake, said administrators "brought out the best in me" and criticized transfers she said were made without explanation.
Superintendent and cabinet presenters told trustees the proposed layoffs were driven by enrollment declines and fiscal projections; the administration cited a decline of 128 students between the most recent certified count and the prior year. Trustees and district leaders said they would continue working with classified and certificated unions and other stakeholders to seek revenue and reduce the need for layoffs.
Trustee Edward Garcia moved to remove item 13.6 from the agenda; Trustee Hall seconded. The motion carried 5‑0.
Why it matters: The board's action pauses formal personnel reductions that would affect classroom and extracurricular programs. Trustees cited collaborative work with unions and upcoming state budget checkpoints (the May revision and the June budget adoption) as opportunities to refine staffing decisions before any future action.
What’s next: Trustees and district leaders said they will pursue attendance and enrollment strategies, examine staffing allocations and continue negotiations with unions. The board also directed administration to return with refined information during the regular budget cycle.
