Fresno Unified School District is looking to move forward with a workforce reduction as they grapple with a growing $77 million budget deficit.<\/p>\n
At the Wednesday night School Board meeting, district leaders will propose the elimination of approximately 200 positions \u2014 $39 million in reductions. Fresno Unified has about 8,000 employees.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is very difficult. Laying off employees was not a decision taken lightly, but it is necessary to keep our district fiscally solvent, with the least impact on our students,\u201d Superintendent Misty Her said in a statement issued Tuesday. \u201cWe are committed to preserving programs and services to students while maintaining effective staffing and student-to-teacher ratios.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fresno Unified is facing a $77 million budget deficit for 2026-27 and a projected $59 million deficit the following fiscal year. This has ballooned from previous predictions of a $50 million deficit over the next two years.<\/p>\n
These budget concerns are due to declining enrollment and lower daily attendance \u2014 an issue affecting schools throughout California.<\/p>\n
Recently, the School Board approved a supplemental retirement plan for 573 employees, looking to save about $56 million over the next five years. About 100 positions will need to be refilled.<\/p>\n
This saved 324 positions from being axed, according to a district statement.<\/p>\n
Now, Fresno Unified is looking at a \u201ccomprehensive reorganization of position, programs and support.\u201d This includes elimination or realignment of programs to focus priorities on the district\u2019s Goals and Guardrails.<\/p>\n
The district will provide affected employees a personalized list of other positions available to them and a timeline for acceptance if they are not placed in the seniority-based \u201cbumping\u201d process.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce\u00a0the board approves the necessary\u00a0recommendation\u00a0reduction in\u00a0force,\u00a0the\u00a0primary commitment is to support our dedicated staff through this transition,\u201d Her said.\u00a0We are also actively working with our labor partners to minimize the impact of these necessary reductions in force.\u201d<\/p>\n
Related Story: Fresno Unified Workers Air Concerns About Layoffs, Hiring Freezes at Board …<\/a><\/p>\n Fresno Teacher Association Responds<\/p>\n