State Budget May Impact SBUSD Layoffs

Budget shortfalls in the South Bay Union School District may result in a total 29 full-time teachers and two part-time educators being laid off. Depending on what happens with the state budget, some teachers may come back.

"Right now we're being told to budget on a worst-case scenario still because there's still a lot tied to that tax initiative," said Assistant Superintendent Scott Buxbaum.

The SBUSD and its board of trustees have urged state lawmakers from around San Diego County to approve a special election to extend taxes that can help district finances.

"So if it's positive news from the state budget board, we'll be looking at rescinding some of those," he said. 

The district will know more in the "next phase of the budget process" after a state budget is passed and before SBUSD approves its 2011-12 budget June 30, said Assistant Superintendent Shelley Burgess.

State lawmakers are required to pass a budget by Wednesday. 

On Thursday, the district will hold open forum study sessions to discuss educational services, department visions and the district's overall mission and goals.

At that time, if a state budget has been approved, school officials will know if there's money to bring some teachers back and may discuss it at the meeting.

Along with teachers, 18 classified positions will be eliminated: nine bilingual instructional assistants, four instructional assistants, two custodians and other positions. Hours will be reduced for 21 classified employees.

Three preschool teachers and five master preschool teachers will also lose their jobs.