California school districts issue thousands of pink slips

"We stand to lose nine beloved faculty and an additional eight face significant reductions. This impacts the educational experience of our students. But Oakland was not alone in signing off on massive numbers of layoffs. Thousands of California school employees have received preliminary pink slips in recent weeks as districts scramble to close budget gaps caused by falling enrollment and rising costs."

"Districts were complying with a state law that requires them to send preliminary pink slips by March 15 to any employee who could potentially lose their job before the beginning of the next school year. Many of the notices are withdrawn by May 15 - the last day final layoff notices can be given - as districts make decisions based on seniority and evolving budget projections."

"School districts across the state have lost both average daily attendance funding, due to declining enrollment, and federal Covid dollars. At the same time, districts are paying more for pensions, health care, and special education."

California school districts, including Oakland Unified and Los Angeles Unified, issued thousands of preliminary pink slips in February and early March to address significant budget gaps. The layoffs affected school counselors, nurses, literacy tutors, custodians, food service workers, instructional aides, and administrative staff. Districts are required by state law to issue preliminary notices by March 15, with final decisions made by May 15 based on seniority and budget projections. Many notices are typically withdrawn before the deadline. This year's layoffs increasingly target classified and central office staff rather than teachers. Budget pressures stem from declining enrollment reducing average daily attendance funding, loss of federal COVID relief dollars, and rising costs for pensions, healthcare, and special education services.

Read at The Oaklandside