San Diego Unified School District officials are trying to figure out how many school employees will get pink slips next month. Layoffs are possible. Local union leaders say they'll fight to protect jobs. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has the story.
Public school districts usually take two approaches when it comes to layoffs. Some send pink slips to almost everyone. Others are more strategic. San Diego Unified is looking to take a calculated approach.
The district's Ursula Kroemer says its a painful process but they are preparing for the worst. She says under state law, the newest employees would be the first to go.
Kroemer: It’s very, very frustrating because some of the some of the newest are the brightest and the best because they and we want to retain because they bring so much energy and vitality and they are so committed to our students.
San Diego's teachers union say they'll challenge any layoffs. Union president Camille Zombro says many teachers are on edge because the district's employment information may be wrong.
Zombro: There again is something that is frightening and confusing our members. The district is having to go back through their personnel files and correct teacher seniority dates. And it’s a very complex issue. But the bottom line is that the seniority date information may or may not be accurate.
District officials say they are in the process of correcting things. Five years ago the prospect of severe budget cuts meant 1,400 San Diego Unified teachers received layoff. None were let go because other cuts were made and some state funding was restored.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
