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Teachers, counselors and community urge board to spare student supports
Summary
Dozens of teachers, classified staff and community members urged the Escondido Union High School District board to reject proposed staff cuts, citing risks to English‑learner supports, tutoring, counselors and library services and proposing alternatives such as retirement incentives and charter‑school fees.
Multiple staff members and union representatives told the board on March 4 that proposed cuts to TOSA coaching sections, counselors, library clerks and other supports would harm students who rely on targeted services. An ESTA representative argued that multiyear projections (MYPs) have been used to manufacture budget panic and asked the board to vote against the layoffs.
"Tonight, Dr. Goode is proposing massive cuts," the ESTA representative said, adding that the district had reserves and that alternative cost‑saving measures should be considered. Classroom teachers, library clerks and instructional coaches described concrete impacts: loss of library circulation for middle‑college students, fewer on‑site tutoring hours, and reduced coaching that helps teachers improve classroom instruction. "Without content TOSAs, teachers who are already overwhelmed will not have the resources necessary to make improvements," a teacher said during public comment.
Speakers proposed alternatives: retirement incentives, charging the statutory 1% charter fee for district charters, and more detailed review of vacancy and enrollment data before issuing permanent reductions. Board members listened and acknowledged concerns; trustees said some notices could be rescinded later if the budget allows but noted the March 15 statutory deadline constrained timing.
