To hear Quick-Launch audio of salient portions of the exchange (begins with TALB Exec. Dir. Boyd, followed by Sup't Steinhauser and Board colloquy), click here.

LBUSD management sought authority for the layoffs now for FY13 (starts July 1) because state law requires LBUSD to send preliminary layoff notices to certificated personnel by mid-March (and final notices in May). LBUSD spokesman Chris Eftychiou notes that the final number of laid off employees is subject to change due to variables including the number of retirements and resignations as well as fluctuations in the state budget.

Mr. Eftychiou notes that many of the personnel who will be receiving layoff notices are those who went through layoffs previously but were brought back, although when they returned last time it was via temporary contracts that are year-to-year (without the seniority protections that permanent teachers have.)

Board approval (as submitted or amended tonight) doesn't require management to make the cuts, but does give management authority to implement them in the coming months.

Sup't Steinhauser said during his presentation that LBUSD is (and has been losing) about 1,200-1,500 students a year (K-12, which he said means reducing the District's workforce by close to 50 teachers just to keep up with declining enrollment.

The accompanying management-drafted Board resolution recites in pertinent part:

...That because of the financial constraints resulting from revenue being insufficient to maintain the current levels of programs, and necessary program changes resulting therefrom, the Board of Education hereby determines to reduce or eliminate those positions set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein, listing by level, subject field or classification, and full-time equivalent, those positions that shall be reduced or eliminated no later than the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year.

...That because of the elimination and reduction of particular kinds of services listed in Exhibit A it is necessary to terminate at the end of the 2011-2012 school year certificated employees equal in number to the positions affected in the reduction or elimination of the above-described particular kinds of service.

...That in identifying the particular kinds of services listed in Exhibit A for reduction or elimination, the Board of Education confirms that all programs and services performed by certificated employees of the District that are not so identified shall be maintained and staffed with individuals who are both competent and credentialed to perform such services. The Board of Education reserves the right to identify additional services for reduction or elimination...

Earlier in the meeting in a related budget-related agenda item, Superintendent Chris Steinhauser described the reductions proposed by management and the background for them:

The state has experienced dramatic declines in revenue due to the severe economic downturn which began in the fall of 2007 and has made extensive reductions to public education funding. Accordingly, the District faces yet another year of significant budget deficits.

Governor Brown proposed a budget for education which, in its best case, removes the statutory COLA and may cut transportation funding entirely in the 2012-2013 year. This would result in a funding decrease of nearly $19 million for the district. This optimistic scenario relies on the success of a November 2012 initiative increasing the state sales tax by 0.5% and increasing state income tax rates on the highest earners -- those earning $250,000 and above. These taxes would remain in effect through 2016 and are estimated to generate $6.9 billion yearly at the state level. If the proposed initiative is unsuccessful, this will trigger a reduction of an estimated $370 per ADA for districts, which would result in a yearly funding loss of $30 million for Long Beach Unified. Accordingly, school districts are compelled to plan for two eventualities: (1) if the proposed initiative is successful, and (2) if the proposed initiative is not successful. The budget reductions in this item are necessary under either scenario.

Staff is actively engaged in identifying expenditure reductions designed to safeguard the District against being placed in a position of fiscal jeopardy.

The Board may consider budget reductions and revisions in any department, division, program, or service in the District, including, but not limited to, items listed, as well as reductions in force or in hours for represented and non-represented certificated and classified positions. In addition, recommended actions of reducing unrestricted General Fund expenditures may include utilization of categorical funding, revenue enhancements, realignment of priorities, and implementation of other measures designed to safeguard the District’s fiscal health.

RECOMMENDATION:

Consider staff recommendations for budget reductions and revisions and take action as deemed appropriate.

The 62 and 20 FTEs indicated in the memo text above are included within the 308 FTEs itemized in the proposed Board action above.

To view VIDEO of this portion of the meeting, click here (starts with this agenda item)

Last year, LBUSD balanced its budget by cutting nearly 800 employees, mainly teachers.

LBReport.com will continuing detailed coverage of this issue and others affecting LBUSD.