Why So Many Pink Slips?

Tonight, the Board meets to vote on reductions to the Certificated staff of the district. Certificated employees are those with teaching credentials, including teachers, counselors, and administrators. Unfortunately, in order to retain flexibility in the uncertain budget situation, the Berryessa Union School District will be handing out dozens of pink slips in the next two weeks.

Why so many, and why now?

Let me answer the second question first. California law requires that in order to reduce certificated staff, those affected must be notified by March 15. Even though we don't yet know what the final budget situation will be, what negotiated solutions we have available to us, and what our final choices will be, it is necessary to plan for all contingencies now.

California law also requires that layoffs be done in reverse order of seniority. The board authorizes layoffs by passing a resolution that reduces specific services the district provides. For example, we may resolve to cut back on music and counseling, and increase class size. The district must then use seniority rankings to determine which specific employees are let go. There is an appeals process that is followed if employees think they should be ranked differently. As a result, more pink slips are distributed than necessary in order to retain flexibility as the process plays out.

In past years, our district has given out pink slips and revoked most if not all of them before the end of the school year. As budget decisions are finalized, the number of affected employees will go down. There are still 3 1/2 months before a final budget is passed. In the meantime, budget assumptions will change and cost savings will be realized through other approaches and negotiations. In addition, retirements and other attrition will open spots for some of the teachers who receive pink slips this month. Hopefully, at the end of the process, the district will be able to minimize the number of employees affected by our budget crisis.