02/28/2025
📢To everyone who attended last night’s board meeting—in person or online—thank you. For everyone who sent emails, texts or called me- Thank you. Over 500 attendees, 75 speakers, and 16+ pages of recommendations from OFTSE members, proving just how deeply this community cares. I am especially proud of the students who spoke.
I hear you. I see you. And I am listening.
Declining enrollment is our new reality, projected through 2033. A major concern raised was financial mismanagement and why action wasn’t taken sooner on declining enrollment. As Dr. McCoy explained, we invested in people—using one-time funds to keep staff. We still believe in our people, which makes these decisions even harder.
This Board is composed of current or former educators. When we talk about layoffs, we aren’t talking about numbers, we are talking about people. We’re talking about our friends, our families, and our community. This district isn’t just where I serve—it was our home for years. Many of you have known me since Rick and I worked at Rio Mesa, where our kids went to school and through the years of living in the community. Even if we haven’t met, we are all connected. You are not just a number - you matter.
Progress is happening:
âś… 100 staff have opted into the Supplemental Retirement Plan, reducing the proposed Certificated layoffs from 110 to 44 and Classified layoffs from 74 to 56. The plan remains open to eligible staff until March 14, as does the $700 incentive.
Last night, Dr. McCoy recommended tabling the resolutions for a special board meeting. Trustee Sher made the motion, President Flores-Haro seconded it, and it passed unanimously (5-0). The district has committed to working with OFTSE to explore alternative cuts, and we will reconvene on Wednesday, March 5, at 4:30 PM.
🔹 We need your input. 83% of our budget is staff, so every realistic recommendation matters. We may not get the number of layoffs to zero, but together, we will work to reduce the impact.
I understand the weight of your concerns, hopes, and frustrations. That’s why I am committed to doing everything I can to minimize layoffs—including reducing my own board stipend. Nothing is final until May 15.
đź’ˇ Share your ideas. We are in this together. You can count on me to give my best for all of us. đź’ś
Wednesday, February 27, 2025
Thank you President Flores-Haro
