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After public pleas, San Juan Unified board approves multiple resolutions to reduce positions
Summary
The board voted unanimously to adopt several resolutions reducing or discontinuing classified and certificated positions across programs (classified, TK–12 certificated, early childhood and adult education) citing funding constraints; public commenters warned the cuts will hurt classroom support and student learning.
Dr. Henry presented a set of staffing‑alignment recommendations and separate resolutions that the superintendent said were necessary to align programs with available funding and enrollment trends for the 2026–27 school year. The resolutions covered reductions or discontinuations in classified services (Res. 4245), TK–12 certificated services and tie‑breaking criteria (Res. 4246, 4247), early childhood certificated positions (Res. 4248, 4249) and adult education certificated positions (Res. 4250, 4251). A typographical correction to a tiebreaker criterion was noted and read into the record.
Public comment preceded the vote on Res. 4245. Brenna McGuire, an instructional assistant at a Title I elementary school, said the positions recommended for reduction provide safety, supervision and small‑group instruction and warned that cutting them removes essential supports. "These positions are not temporary needs, they are permanent responsibilities," McGuire said, urging a long‑term commitment to protect these roles.
Parent Michelle McKeown told the board that many students are not meeting grade‑level standards and cautioned that layoffs would worsen outcomes. She cited district data presented at the meeting, saying "approximately 69% of students are below standard in ELA and nearly 79% are below in math," and urged the board to weigh the consequence of staff reductions against impacts on learning.
Board members expressed regret but emphasized fiscal constraints and the need to maintain solvency. Board member Sima Creason said she would vote in favor despite the pain of the decision: "I have to vote I on this, for the solvency of our school community or district," she said.
The board moved the resolutions and recorded unanimous votes on the items presented. Resolutions include procedural tiebreakers and notices that staff will follow statutory notification timelines and collective bargaining obligations for affected employees.
Actions recorded: Res. 4245 (classified services) was moved by Ben Avey and seconded by Sima Creason and adopted unanimously. Res. 4246 (certificated reductions) was moved by Ben Avey and seconded by (as recorded) a board colleague; Res. 4247–4251 covering tie‑breaking criteria for certificated/ECE/adult education were likewise moved and adopted as presented. Staff said adoption allows the district to meet statutory notice requirements and proceed with required notifications and timelines to affected employees.
Next steps: Human Resources will proceed with notifications per law and collective bargaining agreements, apply tiebreaker criteria where necessary and continue to provide support and information to affected employees and sites.
