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Board creates Expanded Learning director and coordinator posts amid union questions about sustainability
Summary
Trustees approved two new positions to lead Expanded Learning programs (a director and a coordinator) funded by ELOP funds; SEIU and other commenters warned the roles add management costs and raised sustainability concerns given declining enrollment and attendance.
The Board approved creation of two administrative positions to oversee Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs (ELOP): a Director of Expanded Learning Programs (12-month, range M42) and a Coordinator (12-month, range M36). District leaders said the positions will be funded from the restricted ELOP revenue stream and are intended to move program oversight from adult education into Educational Services so the district can build internal intervention capacity rather than rely primarily on external vendors.
SEIU representative Susan Lopez and public commenters raised objections at the meeting, saying (1) ELOP funding is tied to enrollment and attendance and could decline, (2) creating extra management roles does not address frontline staffing concerns and could exacerbate workforce strain, and (3) the district should prioritize in-house staff positions for program delivery rather than new management lines. Superintendent Roach and Dr. Lynn responded that the positions are funded by restricted ELOP allocations, that the intent is to expand intervention-focused, evidence-based instruction in expanded learning (not only enrichment), and that if ELOP funding were reduced the district could reduce or eliminate the positions.
Trustees discussed whether the existing adult-ed assistant director could be promoted and whether creating the jobs now duplicates work; staff said the positions are open and promotional and that the reorganization may reduce an administrative role in adult education once responsibilities transfer.
Why it matters Expanded Learning funding supports after-school and before-school programming that can provide targeted interventions to improve attendance and academic outcomes. The creation of administrative capacity signals a move toward building internal program quality, but the union and some trustees emphasized the political and fiscal sensitivity of adding management positions funded by a declining-revenue stream.
What’s next Recruitment will proceed as open and promotional postings; staff said they will attempt to prioritize internal candidates and will report back on staffing plans, budget sustainability, and how new roles will shift services from vendors to district employees.
