Hart District Approves Further Layoffs

The William S. Hart Union High School District Governing Board approved further staff layoffs during Wednesday night’s regular meeting.

The William S. Hart Union High School District approved a motion to eliminate 29.14 full-time classified positions due to a lack of funds. The document named 36 employees for dismissal.

Specifically, the district reduced or eliminated potions for extra-duty bus assistant, school-based therapist, custodian I, warehouse worker, program specialist, administrative assistant, 12-month secretary and groundskeeper III positions.

However, one employee later withdrew her hearing request, and the district was able to rescind the other employees’ layoff notices due to additional resignations or retirements after March 15.

The district was also able to rescind the layoff notices of three other classified employees serving as custodians and school-based therapists due to resignations or retirements in those areas, according to District staff.

The layoffs are tied to state budget cuts, with the fiscal stabilization plan decided upon by the Hart District aiming for approximately $21 million in savings. In February, the Hart District Board resolved to reduce 63 full-time positions.

The Board recently ratified the 2023/24 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Hart District Teachers Association (HDTA). The key terms of the agreement include an ongoing 2 percent increase to union member salary schedules effective July 1, 2023, and a 2 percent one-time off-schedule payment for the 2023-2024 school year for certificated members employed on the date of board approval.

John Minkus, the president of the teachers’ union HDTA, expressed frustration that layoffs were occurring. He advocated for saving the jobs of RIP (Reduction in Force) teachers. He criticized the district’s “knee-jerk reaction” and said excuses don’t save jobs.

“Counselors, as well as administrators, are struggling to create master schedules with these untenable proposed cuts. With the extreme actions taken by the District, sites are already shedding course offerings,” Minkus said.

Minkus cites several examples of classes and programs across the district affected by layoffs, including cancelling engineering at West Ranch, losing a CTE business teacher at Sierra Vista, losing “numerous literary offerings,” including the yearbook at Saugus, a lack of periods for English Language coordinators, and AP courses “slashed across the district.”

“You’ve stretched us thin, worked us to the bone, and now you ask for more while giving us less to work with. You’ve left your strategic plan in the dirt,” Minkus said. “We don’t have any more to give.“

Board members confirmed that layoffs could be rescinded through June 30th, and the same individuals could be rehired via the 39-month reemployment list kept by the Hart District.

“I’m not trying to give anybody false hope but you know, we’re still waiting on the May revise,” said board member Joe Messina.

President Linda Storli clarified with district staff that anyone who was given notice and subsequently rehired would retain their seniority and health benefits if the rehiring process could move forward within weeks of dismissal.

“Hopefully we can find ways to build that up and rehire,” said President Linda Storli.

To watch the Hart District meeting on May 1, 2024, click here .

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