Fresno Unified\u2019s classified workers, alongside union leaders and educators, unloaded at the School Board meeting Wednesday night, opposing possible layoffs, hiring freezes, and denied raises.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny decision that reduces or destabilizes operations at schools will inevitably impact (student) learning conditions,\u201d grounds worker Albert Rojas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is disappointing to see and hear that FUSD leadership is even considering layoffs or hiring freezes for classified workers. We\u2019re the lowest paid workers and yet what we do directly supports the health and safety of the students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Old Contract Ended Last June<\/p>\n
Service Employees International Union Local 521, representing classified employees including bus drivers and janitors, is negotiating a three-year contract with Fresno Unified. The contract ended June 30, 2025 and new negotiations began in early August.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo ensure budget stability, the district is implementing a strategic elimination of particular kinds of services due to lack of funding,\u201d the district said in a statement. \u201cThis plan includes targeted hiring freezes, eliminating vacant positions, and reductions in force. These reductions encompass all employee classification including management, certificated, and classified positions.\u201d<\/p>\n
The district faces a $50 million budget deficit over the next two years. The deficit comes as COVID-era funding ends and student enrollment continues to decline.<\/p>\n
Recently, trustees approved a supplemental retirement plan for more than 550 employees, looking to about $56 million over the next five years.<\/p>\n
Related Story: Hemorrhaging Millions, Fresno Unified Offers Early Retirement to Employees<\/a><\/p>\n But these savings only occur if the employees who retire are not replaced. This is an issue for classified workers who say they are already spread thin.<\/p>\n They predict that these cuts will accelerate burnout, drive away staff, and deepen enrollment decline \u2014 perpetuating the current budget challenges.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t an isolated issue. \u00a0Los Angeles Unified School District is dealing with a similar situation<\/a>, contemplating layoffs to balance its budget. Meanwhile, West Contra Costa Unified<\/a> must cut its payroll by 10% or face insolvency. And Sacramento City Unified<\/a> must make massive budget cuts to avoid a state takeover.<\/p>\n Classified Workers \u2018Backbone\u2019 of Fresno Unified<\/p>\n Fresno Teachers Association leadership and community members joined SEIU, showing support for what many called \u201cthe backbone\u201d or \u201cfoundation\u201d of Fresno Unified.<\/p>\n \u201cI strongly recommend the district should not balance their budget by freezing wages on the lowest paid employees in our district. I\u2019m talking about our classified employees,\u201d Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi said during a council meeting. \u201cClassified employees ensure that Fresno students get to school, have safe and healthy schools, and are fed every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Now this job is getting harder, plagued by reduced hours and less support, grounds worker Andrew Martinez said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re asked to do more with less time, the quality of the work dips,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you have less staff, how are those standards met for the students, right?\u201d<\/p>\n