San Ramon Valley Unified board approves classified and certificated reductions amid public outcry over librarians and student supports

The San Ramon Valley Unified School District board voted to adopt two resolutions authorizing personnel reductions as part of a budget reduction plan, prompting sustained public comment from educators, union leaders, parents and students who urged the board to preserve counselors, librarians and other direct student supports.

Assistant Superintendent Melanie Jones told the board the actions respond to an identified need "to reduce or eliminate classified positions due to lack of work or lack of funds" and that tentative agreements with bargaining units (CCA and SEIU) addressed impacts. The board adopted Resolution No. 62‑2425 (classified reductions) and Resolution No. 63‑2425 (certificated reductions) by roll call vote after discussion and public comment.

Public commenters — including classroom teachers, teacher‑librarians and union representatives — framed the reductions as harmful to student welfare. Teacher Julie Gilbert said the cuts are "devastating" and warned that larger class sizes will overburden teachers; teacher‑librarian Laurel Burns said eliminating additional high‑school librarian positions will "diminish services, fewer hours, less instruction, reduced collaboration and a decrease in programs." Laura Fino, president of the San Ramon Valley Education Association, urged management to pursue alternatives such as cuts to non‑classroom management and early retirement incentives.

Union leaders and classified association representatives also addressed the board. Tammy Calucho (classified union leader) said her bargaining unit reached a tentative agreement on the reductions but warned that the process of notifying and relocating affected employees will be difficult. Members of the community—including parents appealing a TK eligibility change and citizens defending school librarians—raised separate but related concerns during the public comment period.

Trustees discussed statutory timelines for notices: preliminary classified notices required by March 15 and final notices possible by May 15, and board members emphasized that recommended layoffs reflect budget constraints the district must address. Superintendent Kamik acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions and said the $7 million accounting projection error cited publicly was not money "missing" but an underestimation of payroll after previously approved raises; he said corrective actions have been taken.

Motions and votes: Board member Brat moved to adopt the classified reduction resolution and was seconded by Board Member Herd; the measure passed on a roll call (student board member Hodges and trustees voted 'aye'). The certificated reduction resolution was moved and seconded in similar fashion and also passed on roll call.

What happens next: District staff will issue statutory notices and continue negotiations where required; trustees and union leaders said they will continue to explore alternatives including revenue strategies and potential early retirement incentives. Several public speakers asked the board to reconsider specific local impacts (for example, restoring a high‑school librarian position at a campus with large enrollment), and trustees asked staff to track those requests for follow‑up.