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Fillmore Unified approves staff reductions after second interim report shows multimillion-dollar shortfall
Summary
After hearing concerns from teachers and staff, the Fillmore Unified School District board approved resolutions to reduce select classified and certificated positions and a tiebreaker for seniority, following a second interim report showing a roughly $4 million deficit and proposed FTE reductions; votes were unanimous 4–0.
The Fillmore Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a package of personnel reductions and related resolutions after receiving a second interim budget report that showed an operating deficit for 2025–26.
Andrea McNeil, the district’s executive director of business services, told trustees the district now anticipates just over $76 million in revenues and roughly $80.2 million in expenditures for the current year, leaving an approximate $4 million shortfall that the district has worked to reduce by about $700,000 since the last report. McNeil said the district expects a fund balance near $10 million, but most of those funds are restricted, committed or assigned. The report outlined proposed staffing adjustments that include a reduction of 3 certificated FTE in the budget year and additional potential reductions in later years.
The financial presentation preceded action on three resolutions. The board approved Resolution 25‑26‑15 to reduce or eliminate select classified positions, Resolution 25‑26‑16 to reduce or discontinue particular certificated services under Education Code sections 44949 and 44955, and Resolution 25‑26‑17 establishing tiebreaker criteria for certificated seniority dates for layoff and reemployment purposes. All motions carried by roll-call vote, 4–0.
Public commenters urged the board to protect special‑education staff. “I am here today to express my concern about eliminating a teaching position in our extensive needs program,” said Nerida Morales, an extensive‑needs teacher at San Quintano Elementary, who warned that cuts would limit inclusion opportunities and force staff to prioritize safety over academics. Derek Olson, a district computer technician, said leaving positions vacant shifts work to remaining staff and increases stress and burnout.
Trustees acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions and praised staff for mitigation efforts including vacancy management and attrition. Trustee comments emphasized fiscal prudence while recognizing the human impact of reductions. Trustee Balek thanked staff and said the board is “forward thinking” about the more challenging budget years ahead; another trustee noted the district had tried to minimize layoffs through attrition and other measures.
Votes at a glance: - Motion: Approve consent items 1–4 (minutes, personnel order, contracts, overnight field trip). Outcome: Approved, 4–0. - Motion: Accept donations as listed in agenda packet. Outcome: Approved, 4–0. - Motion: Approve 2025–26 second interim report and positive certification. Outcome: Approved, 4–0. - Motion: Approve change orders 1–3 for security camera project (Project TS003‑CAM2025) — adds $35,598.50; adjusted contract $828,813.58. Outcome: Approved, 4–0. - Motion: Approve Resolution 25‑26‑15 (reduction/elimination of classified positions). Outcome: Approved, 4–0. - Motion: Approve Resolution 25‑26‑16 (reduction/discontinuance of certificated services). Outcome: Approved, 4–0. - Motion: Approve Resolution 25‑26‑17 (seniority tiebreaker for certificated employees). Outcome: Approved, 4–0.
What happens next: The approved resolutions authorize staffing reductions consistent with the staff recommendation and the education-code provisions cited in the agenda materials. The district will follow statutory notice and reemployment procedures; trustees will revisit budget and staffing issues at upcoming meetings (next regular meeting listed March 17 in Piru).
