16-04-2025
Most layoff notices rescinded at Modesto City Schools; only three positions unplaced
Of the 47 classified and classified management positions initially set to be eliminated at Modesto City Schools, only three employees were unable to secure new roles within the district.
All three are campus supervisors and were displaced due to seniority rules. The other 44 employees who received layoff notices earlier in the school year have since been placed in different positions within the district.
At Monday's school board meeting, Fawn Peterson, chapter president of the California School Employees Association, said the outcome was a relief but noted that some employees felt let down after expecting long-term job security at the district. She also acknowledged that district management and human resources staff made extensive efforts to help employees find new roles.
'I know the HR department did everything possible,' Peterson said.
Still, some staff members ended up without jobs or had to accept roles that came with pay cuts, reduced hours or placement on a lower salary range, she said. In some cases, employees were offered positions they previously had held or ones the district deemed them qualified for.
'There is going to be an economic impact for those members,' she said.
Peterson also reiterated earlier concerns about how the district spent temporary COVID-19 relief funds, criticizing the use of the money for payroll and urging the board to reconsider how one-time funds are allocated in the future to avoid job losses.
The layoff notices for 47 positions were approved unanimously by the board at a March 10 meeting.
According to the district, MCS continues to hire on a year-round basis, and open positions can be found on District leaders said they are hopeful that more opportunities will be available in the near future for those still seeking employment.
'We are grateful to our staff for their patience, and we are especially grateful for the tireless work of our Human Resources team. Despite the fact that millions of dollars in temporary COVID-era funding have expired, our Board, Superintendent and HR team have managed to keep the number of people without employment to a minimum,' said Sharokina Shams, the chief communications officer for MCS, in a statement.
