Redlands Unified issues layoff notices to 60 employees

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands Unified School District has issued preliminary layoff notices to 60 employees, including teachers, support staff and administrators, as part of ongoing budget reductions.

Superintendent Juan Cabral announced at the March 10 board meeting that notices were sent beginning that afternoon to 27 certificated employees, 21 classified employees and 12 administrators.

Most positions identified are student-facing, including counselors, nurses, librarians, physical education teachers, and special education staff.

Earlier in the meeting, Stephen Caperton, President of the Redlands Teachers Association said the layoffs have had a disproportionate impact on counseling staff, warning that the loss of counselors could affect student support services, attendance and campus safety.

“I have always believed that they are indispensable to the proper functioning of our schools,” Caperton said. “Their loss next year will have a tremendous detrimental impact on our schools.”

Cabral said the number reflects individuals receiving notices and does not necessarily represent the total number of positions that may ultimately be eliminated.

The notices are part of the district’s ongoing reduction-in-force (RIF) process, which was authorized by the board earlier this year as officials work to address a projected budget deficit.

At a Jan. 27 meeting, the Redlands Unified Board of Trustees approved resolutions allowing for staffing reductions across certificated and classified positions. District officials said at the time that up to 138 positions could be affected, though final numbers would depend on factors such as retirements, resignations and reassignment rights.

Under California law, school districts must issue preliminary layoff notices to certificated employees by March 15. Final decisions are typically made later in the spring.

Cabral said the district will continue to evaluate staffing needs ahead of the next school year and provide support to affected employees, including through site visits and meetings with staff.

The board is expected to take final action on the layoffs in May.

The board also received a Second Interim financial report projecting a $21.7 million deficit this year, with district officials expecting the shortfall to shrink significantly over the next two years.