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Board approves staffing adjustments and previews a revised RIF rubric
Summary
Trustees approved recommended staffing adjustments (four positions recommended for reduction with $492,000 in estimated annual savings) and accepted IDEA-funded increases for special-education support; administrators also described a newly proposed Reduction In Force (RIF) rubric developed with BCEA representatives for future use.
The board approved staffing recommendations at the June 9 meeting that include requested reductions and staffing additions for legally required special-education services.
Director Blackburn presented two parts of the staffing proposal. First, based on retirements and resignations and a district review of needs, administration recommended reducing 1.0 FTE social worker, 2.0 FTE elementary teachers and 1.0 FTE secondary teacher; the district estimated the reduction would generate roughly $492,000 in recurring annual savings. Second, to respond to increased special-education enrollment, the district recommended adding two full-time special-education paraprofessionals and 0.5 FTE special-education teacher funded through IDEA (federal special-education funds), which administration said would not increase the district general-fund shortfall.
Trustees asked questions about where the social worker position was assigned (Alurus school) and how transfers would shift FTE allocations. Director Blackburn and other administrators explained that positions would be reallocated across the district to meet program needs and that IDEA-funded positions include benefits.
Separately, administration described a comprehensive update to the certified Reduction In Force (RIF) policy, procedure and rubric. An ad hoc committee with BCEA representatives and district administrators tested four rubric models and selected a preferred model (model four). The revised rubric narrows priority criteria to seven areas (including years of experience, contract status, endorsements/advanced degrees, and documented discipline or improvement plans) and addresses concerns about evaluation calibration, transparency and fairness. Staff feedback prompted an adjustment to weightings for warnings and reprimands to better align with the district discipline process.
Board action: Trustees approved the staffing recommendations by voice vote. The RIF policy revisions were presented for review; administration indicated they will return with policy action after further feedback and annual review.
