Moreno Valley board OKs about 70 tentative job cuts – Press Enterprise

The Moreno Valley school board has approved the reduction of about 70 positions after initially declining to make layoffs in January. This decision comes as the district faces financial strain, citing a projected $2 million deficit in its 2023-24 general fund, in addition to legal fees and settlements totaling over $148 million.

This move has caused concern among employees and board members, with the original selection of 80 positions to be potentially cut drawing criticism. However, a special meeting last month led to the approval of five resolutions, which together listed the reduction of 69.5 full-time-equivalent positions.

The positions affected include various management and non-management roles, with school counselors, bus drivers, and clerical staff among those impacted. The plan to tentatively lay off non-teaching employees, which passed 4-1, will see vacant positions, and no employees are “anticipated” to lose their employment entirely, according to Interim Chief Human Resources Officer Jason Barney.

The decision has not been without controversy, as board Clerk Susan Smith and board President Brandy Clark voted against the resolution regarding professional development specialists and school counselors.

The move to reduce positions has sparked discussions about the district’s financial future, with the prospect of potential state intervention if the financial situation worsens.
Historically, the district has faced significant financial challenges as it grapples with legal fees and settlements, stemming from incidents such as the tragic death of student Diego Stolz in 2019.

This decision has significant implications for the school district’s future, and it is expected that discussions about funding and budgetary concerns will continue at future board meetings. The impact of these changes on students, teachers, and the overall educational environment is a topic of ongoing concern and discussion within the community. The district has emphasized the need to make equitable and balanced decisions, but the potential consequences of these layoffs are likely to be a point of continued scrutiny and debate.