Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1518807
E D U C A T O R S A N D T H E I R L O C A L A S S O C I A T I O N S across the state are organizing to fight against proposed layoffs in school districts statewide — with more than 2,000 Reduction In Force (RIF) notices reported in 94 districts this year, a figure that could increase as additional reports are submitted. Local chap- ters are fighting back to demand that RIF notices are rescinded in the coming months. e number is a massive increase from recent years, remind- ing of difficult budget years more than a decade ago when school districts balanced their budgets on the backs of their dedicated educators and the students and communities they serve. "is is a traumatic and stressful experience for any educa- tor, and layoffs ultimately harm students and our communities," says CTA President David Goldberg. "While our union works to ensure that all educators' rights are maintained in this process across the state, we're also calling on districts to rescind these layoff notices and bring back educators for the next school year." In many of the cases, the spike in layoff notices are an over- reaction by school districts to a projected deficit in the state budget. But rather than recognize that "rainy days" are here and tapping into reserve funds, many districts are hoarding reserves and instead proposing layoffs. "Districts should be exhausting their reserves and looking for other ways to balance their budgets before laying off educators," Goldberg says. "Our students deserve fully staffed schools — now is not the time to be laying off educators." The short-sighted layoff proposals come during a severe e d u c a t o r s h o r t a g e , a n d w i l l o n ly c o m p o u n d t h e i s s u e , Standing United Against Layoffs CTA organizes to protect educators and students By Julian Peeples Students, educators and community members turned out in force at a March 26 rally to protest layoffs. San Diego Education Association sign 38 cta.org Advocacy