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Public commenters accuse district of cutting teachers and counselors while reserves grow; board asks staff to investigate procedural concerns
Summary
During public comment, speakers condemned proposed cuts—including elimination of an agriculture program and numerous TOSA sections—and questioned why administrative spending and growing reserves were not targeted instead; trustees asked staff to research legal/process issues and report back.
Multiple public commenters addressed the board during the non‑agendized public‑comment period, urging the district to reconsider proposed cuts that commenters said fall disproportionately on teachers, counselors and mental‑health staff. One commenter said the district’s reserve has grown compared with projections and characterized the decision to cut classroom‑adjacent positions while reserves increase as "questionable priorities." The commenter also said 35 TOSA sections are being eliminated and contended the board had not adopted the required layoff resolution for those reductions.
Board members asked staff for clarification. District counsel and administrators responded that their position is they have followed required procedures and that changes to TOSA assignments have not resulted in immediate job losses, but trustees requested the district review the record and, if necessary, discuss legal or procedural concerns in closed session. "Our position is that we have not" broken the law, staff said during the meeting; trustees indicated they would follow up and provide guidance on the board’s expectations.
