Cypress trustees review $3.3 million in proposed cuts after public outcry over health and library staff

Trustees of the Cypress School District on Jan. 20 reviewed a staff proposal that would reduce ongoing expenditures by roughly $3.3 million in the 2026–27 school year, a package that includes both certificated and classified reductions and further non‑personnel cuts.

Assistant Superintendent Larry Fairchild said the district’s multi‑year projection shows a structural deficit driven by declining enrollment and slower state revenue growth. "We identified the need for about $3,300,000 in reductions in 26‑27," he told the board, and explained that the Orange County Department of Education has required more oversight after the district certified a "qualified" first‑interim status.

Why it matters: staff said the county may require a fiscal expert, expanded reporting and a stabilization plan if the board does not adopt reductions that restore the state‑required reserve. The board and staff outlined a required process for personnel reductions under Education Code: a preliminary board resolution on Feb. 12, statutory layoff notices to affected staff by March 13, and final board consideration on May 14.

What was proposed: staff presented a mix of certificated and classified position changes and non‑personnel savings. The certificated list would remove or reduce roughly five general‑education classroom positions, several specialist roles (including two learning‑center teachers and one moderate‑severe teacher), one speech‑language pathologist and one psychologist, plus reductions to several teacher‑on‑special‑assignment (TOSA) and instructional coach roles. Staff estimated about $1,670,000 in ongoing savings from the certificated items.

On the classified side, staff proposed eliminating health assistant positions, library clerks, certain ELD aide and translator roles, and reducing hours or eliminating positions such as custodians and a student information data analyst, a package estimated at about $1,100,000 in savings. Non‑personnel reductions — including $100,000 in materials and supplies and $500,000 in outside services — were presented to reach the overall $3.3 million target.

Public reaction: parents, teachers and union representatives urged the board to seek alternatives. Laura Walker, a Vessels Elementary teacher, said site data show the importance of health clerks: "Our health clerk at Vessels has managed a total of 1,445 health office visits this year," she said, noting students rely on staff for medications, injuries and other daily health needs. Barbara Fernandez, a health clerk and Morris parent, described daily emergency duties and asked the board to "choose the safety and health of their students." Several parents asked whether executive pay and other administrative costs had been examined before frontline cuts.

Board response and next steps: trustees asked for deeper analysis of non‑personnel savings, alternatives such as energy projects and enrollment strategies, and written answers to substantive questions submitted by trustees. Staff committed to providing follow‑up information in the Friday report cycle and to advertise a public application process for the Cypress Education Foundation board seats as a separate governance action. The board retained discretion to rescind notices if the district’s financial picture changes before March 13.

The board adjourned the discussion without taking immediate action on the reductions; the preliminary resolution on potential layoffs is scheduled for the Feb. 12 meeting and, if approved, formal notices would be distributed by March 13.