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Board approves 'skipping criteria' for certificated layoffs to protect hard‑to‑fill subjects
Summary
The board voted 7–0 to adopt Resolution No. 16‑2025‑2026 establishing criteria to 'skip' certificated employees in the layoff order if they hold credentials in high‑need areas (special education, bilingual Spanish, math, science, music).
The Novato Unified School District board approved Resolution No. 16‑2025‑2026 to adopt "skipping criteria" for certificated layoffs in the 2026–27 school year. Staff described the policy as an administrative tool that would allow the district, if reductions became necessary, to retain educators who hold credentials in subjects or authorizations that are harder to fill.
A district staff presenter summarized the covered areas as special education, world language (Spanish) including bilingual authorizations, mathematics, sciences and music — fields identified as more difficult to fill. The presenter told the board the criteria "may not be needed" but would be available during any reduction‑in‑force process to support instructional continuity.
The board asked procedural questions and then took a roll call vote. Trustee Pickett moved the motion and trustee Jacobson seconded. During roll call, trustees Alexander, Butler, Gassen, Jacobson, LaMaddam, Mack and Peces all voted "Aye," producing a 7–0 vote in favor (student advisory vote recorded separately).
