Supe Warns of Further Layoffs, Furlough Days

Weeks after initiatives to, Glendora Unified Superintendent Dr. Robert Voors painted a grim future that included personnel layoffs and a possible shortened school year.

Voors gave a State of the Schools presentation at the Glendora Coordinating Council meeting Monday att. With the district of more than 7,000 students facing a $2.5 million shortfall and with personnel making up 90 percent of the district’s budget, Voors warned that jobs and salaries will be taking the biggest hit the coming year.

The district issued layoff notices to 40 teachers in March based on a budget the district considered a “worse case scenario” – a $349 per student cut. But with the state still unable to provide firm numbers to school districts, rumors are swirling that the budget may be far worse than predicted, with some state officials indicating anywhere between a $600 to $1000 per student cut.

“That would be catastrophic,” Voors said, adding that about 30 percent of school districts across the state are already teetering on financial peril.

Charter Oak Unified Superintendent Mike Hendricks echoed the sentiment, adding that his district is planning for the worst.

“We’re going to continue to plan ahead, but the prospect can get worse, especially if the governor tries to fix the deficit with more deeper cuts,” said Hendricks. Charter Oak, which is looking at a $3 million shortfall, is currently conducting negotiations with the teachers bargaining group and with classified employees.

Charter Oak issued more than 20 layoff notices in March.

School districts may be revising their budgets in May, depending on what occurs at the state level.

But based on trends of recent years for Glendora Unified – about $10 million in revenue lost over an eight-year span and 100 positions laid off since 2004 – Voors said the district can expect more of the same thing.

Since 2009, the district has seen a vast reduction of teachers,, clerical staff and custodians, as well as increased classroom sizes.

Like most districts in the state, Glendora Unified has had to contend with 48 percent of its state cash flow deferred to the following year, leaving it with even less available funds. Still, even the state’s “quick fixes” of cash deferrals and loans have been exhausted, said Voors.

Last year, six furlough days were eliminated thanks to a one-time federal funding grant, but the new budget will not include any extra funding.

“Obviously, we would have to include furlough days if we’re looking at a $2.5 million cut,” Voors said, adding that school years can be shortened from anywhere between two weeks to one month.

Hearings on current teacher layoffs is set to begin next week, Voors said.

“This is very unfair to the employees, but that’s the hand we’re dealt.”

With less money coming in from the state, Voors said the district is looking at other alternative measures.

The district negotiated a deal eliminating Xerox copiers and printers and saving about $150,000. The support group Foundation for Glendora Unified School District reeled in $438,000 for Glendora schools.  The has also stabilized declining enrollment.

“We’re trying to fight for our students,” said Voors. “Because they deserve the best, quality education for the time we have them.”