SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Unified School District is looking to cut more than 200 jobs for the next school year, meaning many preliminary layoff notices will soon go out to staff.

However, district officials say the numbers are preliminary and expressed hope that the final impact will be much smaller.

“It’s unfortunate that they constantly try to balance the budget on our backs,” said Dawn Basques with California School Employees Association Chapter OTBS 788.

In total, 221 positions are on the chopping block for next school year, including 88 that are currently vacant. The proposed reductions represent just under 2% of district staff and would save an estimated $19 million.

The potential impact is being felt by classified employees in three different chapters of the California School Employees Association, who are bracing for preliminary layoff notices.

“We have to let the board know, we have to let the district know how essential we are,” said Issel Martinez with CSEA Paraeducators Chapter 759. “Everything we do matters because schools would not open if it weren’t for classified staff opening those gates.”

Employees affected include bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, special education aides and teacher assistants.

“Why is the weight of all of San Diego Unified’s financial problems falling on our units? This is absolutely telling you who the district respects and values, and it sure isn’t us,” said Megan Glynn with CSEA OTBS 788.

Dozens rallied ahead of Tuesday’s board meeting and spoke directly to board members inside, voicing concerns about potential impacts to student services and support, as well as increased workloads for remaining staff.

While the board voted unanimously to move forward with the cuts, members acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. They stressed the figures are preliminary and noted that new positions may be created and offered to some affected employees.

“Even though the numbers are showing one thing, what we’re hoping for in the next couple of months is to get that down closer to zero. That would be my goal and actually provide some new opportunities,” said Sabrina Bazzo, vice president of the board.

Impacted employees are expected to receive preliminary notices by March 15. Final layoff notices are scheduled to go out by May 15.

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