Petaluma board adopts final layoff resolutions for classified and certificated staff

Petaluma — The Petaluma City Schools Board of Education approved two final personnel actions on May 12 that will result in layoffs and non‑reemployment notices for classified and certificated employees as part of fiscal year 2026–27 budget reductions.

What the board approved: The board approved resolution 2526‑48 to eliminate classified positions (the attachments show 31 classified positions and 67 employees who received initial notice) and resolution 2526‑49 covering certificated employees (attachment A listed 38 employees who received initial notice; attachment C showed 34 employees to be sent final non‑reemployment notices after some rehiring tied to grants).

Administration’s explanation: Human resources staff explained the attachments and said no classified employees requested hearings on the preliminary notices. Staff said final layoff notices would be printed and available to principals the following morning for distribution.

Board deliberations and priorities: Trustees also discussed a separate agenda item about restoration priorities should one‑time funding or later revisions permit re‑hiring. The board debated whether to adopt the budget advisory committee’s proposed priority list as presented, table the priority order for further consideration, or amend it. After discussion, trustees moved to amend the priority list and gave staff direction to gather board preferences via a survey and return with refined recommendations once state budget details are available.

What this means: Staff said the district will proceed with the legally required notice process for affected employees; trustees indicated they hope to revisit restoration if state or other funding becomes available. The board emphasized that specific funding streams carry restrictions that may limit where restored positions can be applied.