Board approves reduction in force, converts one classified position to half time

The Philomath School District Board approved a proposed reduction in force, converting a single classified position from full time to half time.

Superintendent explained the district’s overall staffing reductions this year resulted primarily from retirements and attrition and that this particular position change would be enacted with notice to the individual already contacted. The superintendent said the district is offering recall rights: if the position’s hours are restored or a comparable vacancy opens, the affected employee would have rights to the position for a period (noted in the meeting as a 16-month recall window). The superintendent also described options for the employee to pursue substitute work or other half-time positions in the district.

The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the reduction; the motion passed unanimously among members present.

What’s next: The superintendent will communicate formally with the affected employee, and human resources will follow recall and placement procedures outlined in district policy and the collective bargaining agreements.