SAUSD issues pink slips; layoff hearing set for late April
SAUSD has issued layoff notices to hundreds of certificated staff as the District faces an $187 million deficit.
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CORRECTION (3/11/25 - 6:12 PM): Ron Hacker told The Santanero an incorrect sum of the number of pink slips issued. Instead of "around 350" as first reported, the total is now "approximately 380".
SANTA ANA, Calif. — The Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Board of Education voted 4-1 in late December to move forward with layoffs of certificated staff, sending official electronic notices on Friday ahead of the tentative Mar. 14th deadline.
Associate Superintendent and Chief Business Officer Ron Hacker confirmed to The Santanero on Tuesday that "approximately 380" teachers, counselors, social workers and other certificated staff were issued layoff notices ("pink slips").
He later clarified that these numbers do not reflect the final layoff count of 280 which would come final after an administrative hearing before a judge on Apr. 21st [more on this process below].
So far, around 170 staff members have enrolled in the Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP), with the opportunity remaining open until Mar. 14th.
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Earlier this year, The Santanero reported that 546 positions were slated to be eliminated, but upon further confirmation, this number only reflects the positions cut for next school year and not the number of employees being laid off.
The layoffs come as SAUSD grapples with an $187 million deficit, forcing significant cuts to ensure a balanced budget.
As reported in the second interim presentation, Hacker stated that the District plans to reduce $32 million annually through its 'Reduction In Force' (RIF) plan and save an additional $25 million per year under its SERP plan.
The Santa Ana Educators Association (SAEA), the union representing the majority of the District's staff, has pled before the Board to consider other options, suggesting to use the District's millions of reserves to cover expenses. Hacker said that option would essentially be financially irresponsible, citing minimum requirements enacted by the County and State Boards of Education to maintain a balanced three-year budget.
How did SAUSD determine who to lay off?
All certificated staff were organized into a 'master seniority list' in which the least senior staff would essentially be cut.
However, a number of factors also went into consideration, especially if the affected staff member had credentials in other subjects such as special education, therefore organized onto other list (sort of like a second chance, but it also was based on seniority).
This means that 'pink slipped' staff could possibly be given an opportunity for another position if their seniority and/or credential(s) allow it.
Ron Hacker confirmed to The Santanero on Friday, Mar. 7th, that all school sites were issued their specific master lists based on staff that worked at that school site and lists distributed were not a Districtwide list.
The list of affected employees has not yet been made public. By law, it will only be disclosed after a hearing is conducted before a judge, decided, and then voted on by the Board in May. Until then, the extent of layoffs at specific school sites remains uncertain.
At this time, The Santanero cannot confirm which schools were most impacted or whether certain sites were spared from layoffs.
The SAEA announced last Thursday, before notices were sent, for union members to unite at Tuesday's school board meeting occurring at the District headquarters at 6:30 PM.
Within tonight's agenda, Hacker is expected to present the second interim report. Included is an updated fiscal outlook reexplaining the current situation and request for approval by the Board.
This is a developing story. Follow our social media channels for real-time updates, or subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest information as soon as it becomes available.
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SANTA ANA, Calif. — The Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Board of Education voted 4-1 in late December to move forward with layoffs of certificated staff, sending official electronic notices on Friday ahead of the tentative Mar. 14th deadline.
Associate Superintendent and Chief Business Officer Ron Hacker confirmed to The Santanero on Tuesday that "approximately 380" teachers, counselors, social workers and other certificated staff were issued layoff notices ("pink slips").
He later clarified that these numbers do not reflect the final layoff count of 280 which would come final after an administrative hearing before a judge on Apr. 21st [more on this process below].
So far, around 170 staff members have enrolled in the Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan (SERP), with the opportunity remaining open until Mar. 14th.
The layoffs come as SAUSD grapples with an $187 million deficit, forcing significant cuts to ensure a balanced budget.
As reported in the second interim presentation, Hacker stated that the District plans to reduce $32 million annually through its 'Reduction In Force' (RIF) plan and save an additional $25 million per year under its SERP plan.
The Santa Ana Educators Association (SAEA), the union representing the majority of the District's staff, has pled before the Board to consider other options, suggesting to use the District's millions of reserves to cover expenses. Hacker said that option would essentially be financially irresponsible, citing minimum requirements enacted by the County and State Boards of Education to maintain a balanced three-year budget.
How did SAUSD determine who to lay off?
All certificated staff were organized into a 'master seniority list' in which the least senior staff would essentially be cut.
However, a number of factors also went into consideration, especially if the affected staff member had credentials in other subjects such as special education, therefore organized onto other list (sort of like a second chance, but it also was based on seniority).
This means that 'pink slipped' staff could possibly be given an opportunity for another position if their seniority and/or credential(s) allow it.
Ron Hacker confirmed to The Santanero on Friday, Mar. 7th, that all school sites were issued their specific master lists based on staff that worked at that school site and lists distributed were not a Districtwide list.
The list of affected employees has not yet been made public. By law, it will only be disclosed after a hearing is conducted before a judge, decided, and then voted on by the Board in May. Until then, the extent of layoffs at specific school sites remains uncertain.
At this time, The Santanero cannot confirm which schools were most impacted or whether certain sites were spared from layoffs.
The SAEA announced last Thursday, before notices were sent, for union members to unite at Tuesday's school board meeting occurring at the District headquarters at 6:30 PM.
Within tonight's agenda, Hacker is expected to present the second interim report. Included is an updated fiscal outlook reexplaining the current situation and request for approval by the Board.
Originally published Mar. 11, 2025 – 5:00 PM
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