Response to the Santa Ana Unified Community Regarding Certificated Staff Reductions

Response to the Santa Ana Unified Community Regarding Certificated Staff Reductions

Dear Santa Ana Unified School District Families and Community,

We recognize that discussions regarding potential reductions in certificated staff can be concerning, and we want to provide accurate information to ensure our community understands the District’s approach. Misinformation can create unnecessary fear, and we want to clarify what is fact and what is not.

Addressing Common Concerns: True or False?

1. "PUBLIC STATEMENT ON SANTA ANA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO LAY-OFF 546 CERTIFICATED STAFF."

➡ False. In our ongoing efforts to align Santa Ana Unified School District’s resources with our educational mission and financial responsibilities, the Board of Education has approved a layoff resolution that references over 546 Particular Kinds of Service (PKS) positions as outlined in accordance with the Education Code section 44955.

We want to clarify that referencing over 546 PKS positions does not mean 546 employees will be laid off. This figure represents the full spectrum of positions under review for potential adjustments, not the number of individuals who will necessarily be affected. The actual number of anticipated layoffs is estimated to be approximately 280 employees.

This action is part of a strategic approach to manage district resources effectively while continuing to deliver high-quality educational services to our students. The decision to list these PKS positions is a procedural step that provides the district with the flexibility needed to make adjustments based on our final staffing requirements, which are influenced by several factors including changes in student enrollment, funding allocations, and program needs.

We are committed to supporting our staff through this transition. For those affected, the district is dedicated to providing assistance, including reassignment opportunities where possible and support for finding new employment.

We understand the impact of these decisions on our employees and their families and approach these changes with the utmost care and responsibility. We appreciate the dedication of all our staff members and are grateful for their continued commitment to serving our students and community.

2. "THE DISTRICT IS REDUCING CERTIFICATED STAFF WITHOUT CONSIDERING THE IMPACT ON STUDENTS."
➡ False. Every decision is guided by our commitment to students. While reductions are challenging, the District is prioritizing core academic programs, maintaining essential student services, and exploring alternative funding sources to minimize impacts.

3. "THIS REDUCTION WILL LEAD TO MINIMAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS."
➡ False. The District remains committed to maintaining academic supports, including intervention programs, before and after school services and specialized services. Adjustments will be made to ensure resources are allocated efficiently to continue supporting student success.

4. "EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS WILL BE ELIMINATED."
➡ False. The District is not eliminating any extracurricular programs. The District is working to sustain extracurricular offerings by optimizing resources and funding. The District recognizes the importance of extracurricular activities in student development. 

5. "THE DISTRICT IS NOT CONSIDERING THE WELL-BEING OF EDUCATORS, LEADING TO BURNOUT."
➡ False. The well-being of all staff is a top priority for the District. While we acknowledge that transitions can bring challenges, our actions are guided by compliance with the labor agreement to ensure that educators’ rights and needs are respected. Additionally, we engage in open dialogue with staff and labor partners to address concerns and collaboratively identify solutions to create a positive and supportive workplace culture.

6. "COUNSELING SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WILL BE DRASTICALLY REDUCED."
➡ Partially True. Counseling positions will be reduced, but services to students will not. Federal COVID-19 relief funds temporarily increased counseling positions, and those funds have now expired. As a result, there will be a reduction in the number of counselors. However, the District will still maintain a student-to-counselor ratio of 353:1, which remains well below pre-pandemic levels and below most surrounding Districts and Districts across California. Before COVID-19, the District had only 58 counselors serving high school and intermediate students. During the pandemic, over 100 additional counselors were hired to expand services to elementary schools. With the anticipated reductions, the District will implement a sustainable model in which:

• Every elementary school will have at least one counselor.

• Larger elementary and K-8 schools will have two counselors.

• Intermediate schools will have at least two counselors.

• High schools will have at least four counselors, with additional counselors allocated to schools with larger enrollments.

While we are transitioning from temporary pandemic-era staffing levels, we remain committed to ensuring every student has access to social-emotional and mental health support.

7. "SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WILL BE DRASTICALLY REDUCED."
➡ False. As part of the District’s strategic planning, we are expanding student support services through our School-Based Mental Health Specialist 1 and 2 positions. These roles will increase student support in the following ways:

• Providing evidence-based counseling services for students and their families.

• Promoting early identification of students with social-emotional concerns and recommending appropriate interventions, supports, and services to students, parents, and school staff.

• Addressing barriers impacting academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional success, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

8. "CLASS SIZES WILL INCREASE DRAMATICALLY, AND COMBINATION CLASSES WILL BECOME THE NORM."

➡ False. The district is managing staffing adjustments carefully to minimize significant changes in class sizes. While some restructuring may occur, we are working to ensure a balanced and effective learning environment for all students. Currently, the district has 24 combination classes across all elementary schools, and though this number is anticipated to increase to 40, it will not affect all schools nor will combination classes become the norm. COVID-19 relief funding allowed our classroom averages to remain low due to additional funding. As those funds expire, allocations for teaching positions at each site have been adjusted based on an increase of 0-4 students per class, depending on the grade level for elementary, and up to 3 students per secondary classes. This ensures that class sizes remain manageable while aligning with sustainable staffing levels.

9. "THE DISTRICT’S PLAN FOR STAFF REDUCTIONS IS INEFFECTIVE AND SHORT-SIGHTED."
➡ False. Staffing adjustments are part of a long-term strategy to align our resources with student enrollment trends and financial realities. These decisions are made carefully to ensure long-term stability while continuing to provide high-quality education.

A Responsible and Equitable Approach

We understand the concerns raised, and we assure our community that these decisions are not made lightly. The District must act responsibly to ensure financial solvency while maintaining high-quality educational programs. We encourage open communication, community involvement, and collaborative problem-solving as we move forward.

We appreciate your partnership and encourage you to stay informed through District updates. If you have any questions, please reach out—we are here to listen and work together for the success of all students.

Sincerely,
Superintendent Jerry Almendarez

Visit https://www.sausd.us/fiscalstabilization for more information about SAUSD's budget planning.

Respuesta a la Comunidad de Santa Ana Unified sobre Reducciones de Personal Certificado

Queridas Familias y Comunidad del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Santa Ana,

Reconocemos que las discusiones sobre posibles reducciones de personal certificado pueden generar preocupación, por lo que queremos proporcionar información precisa para que la comunidad comprenda el enfoque del Distrito. Queremos aclarar los hechos para evitar la difusión de información errónea.

Puntos Clave: Verdadero o Falso

1. "DECLARACIÓN PÚBLICA SOBRE EL DESPIDO DE 546 EMPLEADOS CERTIFICADOS EN SANTA ANA UNIFIED." ➡ Falso. Se aprobó una resolución de despido que menciona más de 546 posiciones de Servicios Específicos (PKS), pero no significa que 546 empleados serán despedidos. Se estima que los despidos reales serán aproximadamente 280 empleados.

2. "EL DISTRITO REDUCE PERSONAL CERTIFICADO SIN CONSIDERAR EL IMPACTO EN LOS ESTUDIANTES." ➡ Falso. Todas las decisiones priorizan a los estudiantes, manteniendo programas académicos esenciales y buscando minimizar los impactos.

3. "ESTA REDUCCIÓN GENERARÁ UN APOYO ACADÉMICO MÍNIMO PARA LOS ESTUDIANTES." ➡ Falso. Se continuarán los programas de intervención, servicios antes y después de clases y servicios especializados para apoyar el éxito estudiantil.

4. "SE ELIMINARÁN LOS PROGRAMAS EXTRACURRICULARES." ➡ Falso. Los programas extracurriculares se mantendrán, optimizando recursos y financiamiento.

5. "EL DISTRITO NO CONSIDERA EL BIENESTAR DE LOS EDUCADORES, LO QUE GENERA AGOTAMIENTO." ➡ Falso. El bienestar del personal es una prioridad, respetando derechos laborales y fomentando un ambiente de trabajo positivo.

6. "EL APOYO DE CONSEJERÍA PARA LOS ESTUDIANTES SE REDUCIRÁ DRÁSTICAMENTE." ➡ Parcialmente Verdadero. Habrá una reducción en posiciones de consejería debido al fin de fondos de alivio por COVID-19, pero el Distrito mantendrá un modelo sostenible con al menos un consejero por escuela primaria y más en escuelas grandes.

7. "EL APOYO SOCIOEMOCIONAL PARA LOS ESTUDIANTES SE REDUCIRÁ DRÁSTICAMENTE." ➡ Falso. Se expanden servicios de apoyo mediante Especialistas en Salud Mental Escolar, promoviendo intervenciones tempranas y eliminando barreras para el éxito estudiantil.

8. "LAS CLASES COMBINADAS Y EL TAMAÑO DE CLASES AUMENTARÁN DRÁSTICAMENTE." ➡ Falso. Aunque habrá ajustes, el tamaño de las clases se mantiene manejable, aumentando solo entre 0 y 4 estudiantes en primaria y hasta 3 en secundaria.

9. "EL PLAN DE REDUCCIÓN DE PERSONAL DEL DISTRITO ES INEFECTIVO Y DE CORTO PLAZO." ➡ Falso. Las decisiones forman parte de una estrategia a largo plazo para alinear recursos con tendencias de inscripción y mantener estabilidad financiera.

Un Enfoque Responsable y Equitativo

• El Distrito está comprometido con la transparencia y el diálogo abierto mientras trabajamos juntos para superar estos desafíos.
• Seguiremos proporcionando actualizaciones y alentamos a la comunidad a participar y mantenerse informada.
• Gracias por su apoyo y compromiso con el éxito de todos los estudiantes.

Atentamente,
Superintendente Jerry Almendarez