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Residents urge transparency on cuts and ask board to prioritize classroom staff
Summary
During public comment, community members urged the board to clearly outline administrative reductions, provide data on paraeducator hours, reconsider land-bank payments, and use any additional funds to retain teachers.
Multiple residents took the podium to press the board for transparency and to urge prioritizing classroom staff in the face of potential layoffs.
"Tonight, we will learn that the ending fund balance is now projected at $12,700,000," public commenter Christy Lance said, urging the board to use additional funds to retain teachers if projections increase rather than approving reductions in force as-is. Other commenters asked for clarity on administrative cuts, paraeducator hours and land-bank loan accounting.
Former board member Rob Fernandez urged the board to defer a payment to the land bank and use the funds to preserve positions; John McCabe offered documentation he said shows the land-bank loan repayment schedule and alleged past defaults. Several residents encouraged appointing experienced members to the budget committee to help the board and community navigate difficult decisions.
Board members and the superintendent responded that specific personnel actions will be determined by contract rules and that affected employees would be notified first; they encouraged community members to submit questions and said staff will provide clarifying financial detail when available.
