Board approves reductions to classified services; four employees remain without placement

The Escondido Union High School District Board of Education on May 12 adopted Resolution R 2025–2026/32 to reduce or discontinue certain classified services beginning with the 2026–27 school year, after staff told the board earlier notices to 19 employees had been reduced and reorganized to affect fewer people.

Sharron, the district presenter on human-resources items, told the board the number of initial layoff notices issued in March (19) was trimmed to 12 through rescissions, internal moves and resignations; after bumping rights were applied eight of the 12 are expected to bump into other positions, leaving four employees without placement. The board discussed options for rehiring, internal posting practices and the 39‑month reemployment list that gives displaced classified employees priority for openings. “They go on what’s called the 39‑month reemployment list,” the HR presenter explained.

Unions and public commenters had urged alternatives and asked the board to reconsider broader cost reductions. Juan, speaking for the California School Employees Association local chapter, warned that the proposed eliminations would affect positions tied to health services, counseling, campus operations and bilingual support and said the union’s data showed ongoing workload and revenue for affected shops: “These reductions impact the very employees who keep our schools functioning every day,” he said.

President Knight framed the action in fiscal stewardship terms: “One of our number one jobs when we’re elected into this seat is to be strong fiscal stewards of taxpayer dollars,” he said, urging careful management while acknowledging the human impact. The motion passed with the requisite board majority; one board member registered opposition during the roll-call discussion.