SDUSD Extends Layoff Deadline

Hearing will determine whether whether or not teachers who received pink slips will be laid off

School workers will now have to wait another week before a decision can be made to determine if they get their jobs back.

A hearing was held Wednesday afternoon at Kearny High School to determine whether more than 120 specialty teachers can be skipped from the layoff process. These teachers work at specialty schools and include those who teach International Baccalaureate and foreign language classes.

A group of teachers spoke before more than 500 of their colleagues and SDUSD. The main argument amongst the speakers was that it is unfair to exempt specialty teachers from layoffs while taking jobs from more senior teachers.

“I understand how it’s important for the kids because these teachers have had specialty training," said Zamarano Elementary School teacher Kelly Arce. "At the same time, even though I don't have training, I'd be happy to receive it. And if I did receive it, I think I'm a good enough teacher that I could benefit the schools."

The lawyer for the teachers union called the district’s decision to exempt specialty teachers from layoffs "arbitrary."

While specialty teachers could be given a better hand if the judge decides to grant an exemption to them, these teachers still say they are all in it together.

“We are all trying to stay together as a union and we don’t want to feel like we are being put up one group of teachers to another. We’re all supporting each other and we want a fair process. We want notices rescinded for everyone,” said Robert Pique, a specialty teacher of six years.

The teachers union says they don't think there should be any skipping involved and are hoping to convince SDUSD to bring 400 of the teachers that were laid off back to work before the decision is made May 16.
 

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