As demonstrated in my last post, some schools saw a high percentage of teachers and certain other employees receiving layoff warning notices this week. Other schools had much lower percentages of employees get notified that they may lose their jobs at the end of the year. What gives? Why are some schools more affected than others?
The answer, according to LBUSD officials, is that the disparity is not intentional but is a product of a number of factors. First, the bulk of the planned teacher layoffs are occurring at the elementary level due to the district's decision to increase class sizes next academic year in kindergarten through third grades. So elementary schools are tending to be more affected.
Also, layoffs are done largely on the basis of a teacher's seniority and credential, according to state law. Some schools have a lot of veteran teachers, while others have lots of less senior teachers. It's that distribution of seniority among schools that is a major factor behind the disparities, LBUSD officials say.
Kelly Puente joined the Press-Telegram in 2006 as an editorial assistant and eventually worked her way up to general assignement reporter. Over the years, she’s covered everything from crime and breaking news to human interest and the cities of Bellflower and Cerritos. Kelly is a Long Beach resident and graduate of Cal State Long Beach. She’s new to the education beat and is looking for great stories.
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