CSEA Chapter 83 - Visalia Unified

03/27/2026

There is something deeply concerning within Visalia Unified.. that they can take decades of someone’s life, their loyalty, their skill, and discard it without a second thought.
This isn’t just a position being eliminated. This is a classified union employee, a member of CSEA Chapter 83, who spent years becoming the only person who truly knew how to do the job. The kind of work that quietly keeps everything running, even if no one stops to recognize it.
And after all of that, he’s laid off as if none of it mattered. No real plan for who takes over. No acknowledgment that some roles aren’t interchangeable. Just a line on paper and a life turned upside down.
What message does that send?

That decades of service don’t matter. That dedication doesn’t matter. That even the people holding this district together are expendable.

Decisions made by VUSD and the Board of Trustees like this one and many others, cause distrust of our employer.

03/26/2026

The recent Sun-Gazette article highlights a difficult and deeply impactful decision:

The VUSD Board of Trustee members ultimately approved layoffs affecting Chapter 83 classified employees.

Let’s be clear about what this means. Classified employees are the backbone of our schools. We are the steady hands that keep campuses safe, clean, running, and supportive for students every single day. When these positions are cut, it’s not just jobs that disappear, it’s services, support systems, and stability for students and staff alike.

We want to recognize Board Members Randy Villegas and Kenneth DeJonge, who voted NO on these layoffs. Their decision reflected a willingness to question, to listen, and to stand with the employees and community members who spoke out.

But it is important to address misinformation. Some board members were led to believe that these layoffs were part of a collaborative agreement with CSEA Chapter 83. That is simply not true.
CSEA did not agree to these cuts. The only action Chapter 83 could take was to negotiate an MOU that provides certain protections for those being laid off. That was about protecting Classified Employees, not approving the layoffs themselves.

As we look ahead, accountability matters. Four of the board members who voted YES on these layoffs will have seats up for election in December 2026. This is an opportunity for our community to step forward.

List of Incumbents who voted YES to lay off Classified Employees of Chapter 83:

Area 1: Walta S. Gamoian
Area 2: Paul Belt
Area 3: Joy M. Naylor
Area 4: Todd Oto

We encourage any classified-friendly community members who care about our schools, our employees, and our students to consider running. If you are interested, please reach out to CSEA Chapter 83.
Change doesn’t happen by chance, it happens when people decide to show up and lead.

Our classified staff deserve better. Our students deserve better. And together, we can work toward a future that reflects that. 💙💛 💪🏼

Read more here—-> https://thesungazette.com/article/news/2026/03/24/cuts-to-vusd-classified-staff-draw-protests/

03/12/2026

Thank you to Board Members DeJonge and Villegas for taking the time to ask questions and look deeper into the continued eliminations of classified positions.

In a time when many decisions move forward without discussion, your willingness to pause, question, and consider the real impact on classified employees and the students we serve does not go unnoticed.

Classified staff keep our schools running every single day. Thoughtful leadership and accountability matter, and we appreciate those who are willing to speak up and take a closer look.

03/11/2026

💛💙

03/11/2026

Visalia Chapter 83 Classified Employees are facing layoffs--
AGAIN.
Our strength is in our unity. Let's come together, pack the board room, and show that CSEA members stand in solidarity and stand strong together!

03/09/2026

Classified employees of Visalia Unified School District are calling on fellow employees and community members to attend the upcoming Visalia Unified Board meeting on Tuesday, March 10, at 5:30 as concerns grow over continued layoffs impacting classified staff across the district. VUSD meetings are a...

03/01/2026

Hello Visalia Chapter 83!

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote on the After School Program Specialist position.
We’re pleased to share that it has PASSED!

Have a wonderful week!
Your Executive Board Team

02/26/2026

02/12/2026

Tomorrow night, join us for an important discussion at our Special Chapter Meeting.