Layoffs a cost-saving option for Chino Valley school district

Teacher and employee layoffs would be unavoidable in dealing with a projected school district budget deficit, according to a new district report.

According to a budget analysis presented by the Chino Valley Unified School District, officials must find ways to cut its budget within the next three fiscal years or face a $50 million shortfall.

Among the preliminary ideas is to lay off employees.

"There is no way to reduce $50 million without impacting staffing," according to a report by George Landon, district Assistant Superintendent for Business Services. "How many is still to be determined."

Other budget tightening measures being considered include "likely" cuts to district office positions, and the elimination of class size reductions, according to the report.

The proposed deficit this year, district officials said, would be about $36 million. Next year, without cuts, the deficit would amount to about $20 million, and cumulatively, $50 million in the 2010-2011 school year, according to the report.

Notification of any cuts to teaching staff must be made by March 15, said district Board member Michael Calta.

"In an effort to be compassionate and empathetic, the District will notify impacted employees as soon as we have direction on the preliminary reduction plan," according to Landon's report.

Calta also said an approved budget would also be sent to the County by the end of March.
The County certification of a budget with shortfall, or a negative certification, could mean the possible appointment of a fiscal advisor, who would have veto power on Council decisions, Calta said.

Board members said they would do all they could to avoid that.

"My plan is not to have a negative certification," said district Board member Fred Youngblood.
Calta said he is "doing his homework right now" in order to find ways to avoid layoffs.

"We will look under every single rock to be able to avoid layoffs and, the reason is, every employee adds value to our children's education," Calta said. "I can't disagree with (Landon) right now, because I haven't finished doing my homework. It's now the board's turn to study the issue out and hear from the public and consider every possible way. Then by March, we're gonna have to make some decisions."

Officials said the projected district shortfall stems from a state budget shortfall estimated at $40 billion. The latest budget proposal from the governor calls for a nearly $6 billion cut to education over the next 18 months.

"Obviously there will be some pain felt on all levels," Youngblood said. "Our goal should be to maintain a high level of quality education for our children."

The district invites parents to two presentations on the budget. The first will be held in the multipurpose room at Magnolia Junior High School, 13150 Mountain Avenue, at 5 p.m. tonight. The next is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Chino Hills High School multipurpose room on Monday, Feb. 23.