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Waukegan board approves reduction-in-force affecting paraprofessionals, staff
Summary
After hours of public comment, the Waukegan CUSD 60 board approved a recommended reduction-in-force targeting some paraprofessionals, computer assistants and wraparound staff to address an estimated $10 million shortfall; vote was carried by 4 to 3. The administration said students' legally required IEP minutes will not be cut and employees have recall rights.
The Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board of Education voted July 28 to approve a recommended reduction-in-force that will affect paraprofessionals, computer assistants and certain wraparound-center positions as part of a plan to reduce an estimated $10 million budget shortfall.
The motion, made by Board Member Fabian and seconded by Board Member Riddle, passed on a roll-call vote: Fabian, Ramirez, Riddle and President Rodriguez voted yes; Members Hannah, Lensing and McBride voted no. The superintendent and the district CFO told the board that the specific list was designed to avoid cutting para positions that provide direct IEP minutes. “Not a single paraprofessional on the list provides any direct service minutes to students who qualify for IEPs,” the administration said in response to board members' questions.
Supporters of the recommendation said the district is drawing down reserves and must act to remain fiscally solvent. In the meeting the CFO described prior years’ use of savings and projected reserve levels if no action were taken. “If we don't balance our budget soon, we will not be able to pay our bills,” one administrator said during the discussion.
But dozens of staff, union leaders and parents urged the board to reject the cuts, giving personal testimony about students who rely on paraprofessionals. “Paraprofessionals are not just support staff. They are educators,” said Amber Sanchez, who identified herself as the paraprofessional union secretary. Several speakers argued the proposal would damage services for students with disabilities, disrupt consistent adult relationships and increase classroom safety risks.
The district said affected employees will receive notices of honorable dismissal and have rights of recall: HR will present vacancies to impacted staff for which they are qualified before positions are posted publicly, and recall rights extend for up to a year from the start of the next school term. The board and administration said the district will attempt to place displaced employees into vacancies as they arise.
The motion instructs the superintendent to issue notices and manage recall and placement; it does not specify individual names in the public agenda. The administration also said some of the positions listed are vacant, which the CFO characterized as cost avoidance rather than an immediate cash reduction. The board president said she will report back to the board on placement efforts.
