Over the past few weeks, teachers and staff from the entire district (including CI) have been given potential layoff notices, otherwise known as pink-slips.
Student enrollment in Oxnard Union High School District has been declining for the past few years which directly correlates to a decrease in funding from the state. Pink slips have been given to teachers and staff in order to reflect the true amount of students that the district has enrolled and to save district funding.
“I am deeply saddened by the situation we are facing and sincerely empathize with the classified and certificated staff members who have received layoff notices during this challenging time,” said Ms. Marianne Ramos, CI principal.
“Having personally received layoff notices on two separate occasions, I understand the emotional and practical impact this has, not only on those directly affected but also on our students and the community,” she added.
The district was initially going to layoff or cut hours from 180 staff members across the district, which was announced in February. This number has since been reduced to about 90 staff and has yet to drop throughout the process.
Teachers and staff with less seniority are most likely to receive a layoff notice than those with more seniority.
There are different layoff notices that could be issued to staff which include definite layoffs, hour reductions, and getting “booted” out of a position. Oftentimes, staff will end up transferring schools, but that may not always be the case.
“I just hope whoever gets laid off is able to find another job, hopefully in the district,” said College and Career counselor Mr. Rogelio Juarez. “Everybody who leaves CI always says they want to come back to work here. It’s just a different community.”
The Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) has been a financial incentive given out to eligible staff by the district as a way to reduce the number of layoffs. Those who sign up for the SRP will retire this school year, or at least resign from the OUHSD.
Other solutions to teacher layoffs and potential savings are being looked to come from utilities, program and club budgets, and health insurance.
“All the choices we are facing and making are difficult for and personally impactful on staff and students,” said superintendent Dr. Thomas McCoy in an email to staff. “We will continue to work hard to provide accurate information and remain aware of the humanity and reality behind any of the hard decisions that are made as we move forward.”
