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SCOE staff explain layoffs process after several grant-funded positions end
Summary
SCOE HR reported 14 employees received layoff notices tied to expiration of grant-funded work; 8 employees exercised bumping rights, 2 accepted demotions, and 4 could remain on a 39-month rehire list if layoffs are sustained. Trustees urged more transparency on which grants could be replaced.
Associate Superintendent Manolo Garcia told the board that March 15 layoff notices were issued because grant-funded positions were eliminated or the underlying projects ended.
"We had 11 positions that were impacted; 14 employees received notice," Garcia said, explaining the difference arises when employees have bumping rights or accept voluntary demotions. He described the statutory process, how bumping works and the reemployment list: employees who end up on the rehire list have priority for vacancies for 39 months.
Garcia said the positions affected were concentrated in student services (7 positions), youth development (3 positions) and early learning (1 position). He cited the SBHIP (student behavioral health incentive program) as one expiring funding stream and listed other grants that have ended or are wrapping up. Garcia and trustees discussed potential replacement grants: he named a capacity and infrastructure transition expansion grant (decision expected July 1), a CHP cannabis education grant (decision expected in May) and Drug Free Communities applications submitted May 5.
Trustees sought clarity on whether laid-off employees remain on the payroll immediately, the effective dates for layoff actions and how the district accounts for in-kind facility uses with partner organizations. Garcia reiterated that layoff notices provide due-process protections and that many impacted employees remain working in other assignments while exercising bumping or rehire rights; layoffs would be effective July 1 if positions are not restored.
Trustees requested a clearer grant-to-position mapping in the budget packet and asked HR to provide a list of impacted departments, funding streams for each laid-off employee and the plan for grant pursuit and alignment to prevent further job losses.
