Meeting the union’s full proposal would require the District to make significant reductions in other parts of the budget. Those reductions could directly affect students through larger class sizes, fewer counselors and mental health supports, reductions in electives and enrichment programs, and potential staff layoffs. Under California law, layoffs are based on seniority. That means newer teachers, who are often working in some of the hardest-to-staff classrooms, would be the first affected. 

 

Our goal is not to create fear, but to be transparent about the financial realities school districts must consider when making long-term commitments. Several districts that recently agreed to compensation packages beyond what their budgets could sustain are now facing structural deficits, layoffs, and program cuts. 

 

Our responsibility is to make sure that any agreement we reach can be sustained over time without reducing services for students.