Vancouver School District: 289 notices issued in certificated RIF; 107.3 FTE targeted, about 80 staff remain on recall list

The Vancouver School District on Monday outlined the scale and mechanics of a certificated reduction in force launched after the board adopted a reduced education program earlier this year.

Jeff Fiske, the district’s executive director of human resources, told the board the district was asked to reduce 107.3 full‑time equivalent certificated positions and that a total of 289 notices—both reassignment notices and non‑renewal/layoff notices—were issued in late March. He said many reassigned staff were moved back into classroom roles, and that recall and reassignment efforts have continued since then.

Fiske said the district has nearly filled the positions it expects to have in school buildings for the 2026–27 year but that “about 80 people” remain on the recall list without an assignment. He explained the difference between the 107.3 FTE target and the 80 individuals as the result of attrition (retirements, resignations and employees who decline recall offers), and said the recall list remains in force for three years.

The HR director attributed placement challenges to a combination of certification and endorsement requirements—dual language and special education endorsements, for example—and to seniority rules negotiated in the district’s collective bargaining agreements. He said the district has hired heavily over recent years for specialized endorsements and now lacks candidates with some general‑education credentials, which increased the number of notices that had to be issued.

District staff also framed the reductions in the context of fiscal stability. Board members were told the district’s fund balance had fallen to “nearly zero,” that roughly 85% of the district budget goes to salaries and benefits, and that delayed state funding makes a reserve critical to meeting payroll and short‑term obligations. Officials warned that failing to rebuild the fund balance could trigger state oversight and a reduction to basic services.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the timeline and the recall process; staff reiterated that placements continue, that some vacancies were posted to recruit teachers with needed endorsements, and that the numbers represent a point in time subject to change as people retire or accept positions elsewhere.

What’s next: HR said it expects to finish issuing placement notices for staff within days and will continue to work with unions and affected employees. The recall list will be used before new hires are posted when an appropriate endorsed candidate exists.