Lawndale board approves superintendent action items; resolution language begins formal layoff process

At the Feb. 5 meeting, the Lawndale Elementary School District board approved multiple routine consent and superintendent action items and heard administration outline two resolutions that will initiate a formal reduction-in-service process affecting classified positions.

Superintendent Castro explained that two resolutions prepared by the human-resources team (identified in the meeting as Resolution 15 regarding layoff/reduction in work year of classified personnel and Resolution 16 regarding reduction or discontinuance of particular kinds of service) would be presented for review and approval and that, if adopted, the process would proceed to the next step where impacted positions are identified by title (but not by employee name) and a list of affected employees would be presented at the Feb. 19 board meeting.

Trustee Anne Phillips asked that, in future, reductions with potential personnel impacts be previewed face to face with trustees so members have time to ask questions. “This is a lot of employees being affected by that…this does affect people’s lives,” Phillips said, urging a change to past practice when possible. Castro acknowledged the request but noted the district was working against statutory deadlines.

The board recorded several unanimous votes. The agenda was approved as amended (motion by Trustee Evie Morales; second by Clerk Anne Phillips; motion carries 4-0). Consent items 7.03–7.16 and SELPA consent items 8.03–8.05 were approved (motions carried 4-0). The board also approved superintendent action items (9.03 onward) and SELPA superintendent action item 10.03; meeting records state each motion “carries 4-0.”

During the superintendent’s report, district business staff also flagged facilities issues: the Central Kitchen HVAC replacement had been bid previously with proposals coming in approximately $200,000 over budget and the district intends to rebid for summer work. The business office said it plans to bring a board resolution at the next meeting to refinance existing bonds in a way the superintendent said could save taxpayers about $1,000,000 in aggregate; staff said the refinancing would not cost the district.

No layoffs were announced by name at the Feb. 5 meeting; the superintendent said staff names would be presented at the Feb. 19 meeting after the board approved the initial resolutions. Trustees indicated they would ask additional questions at the next meeting and some requested more face-to-face discussion before action that affects employees is finalized.