The San Marino Schools Foundation has announced an incentive program to rehire the final four certificated employees who received layoff notices in March and have yet to be reinstated.
As of Monday, two teachers, a counselor and a speech language pathologist have received final notices of layoff and await word as to whether they might be rehired in the coming weeks, with a final push of the Schools Foundation’s campaign concluding May 31.
“For the first time, the Foundation will access earnings from its endowment to incentivize additional donations,” said Erin Bilvado, president of the Schools Foundation. “Our endowment distribution policy allows us to distribute earnings annually. Saving these remaining positions for our children’s education and these individuals’ livelihoods is an important reason to access these funds.”
In a presentation given during the May 12 school board meeting, district administrators provided information to the board and community on their efforts to minimize the impact of the proposed reductions. With the Schools Foundation’s campaign donations totaling more than $800,000 as of that meeting, the board unanimously rescinded layoff notices and amended other class section reductions totaling nine teaching positions.
The school board first announced a proposed reduction in force of 31.2 full time equivalent (FTE) positions at its March 10 meeting. Of these positions, 17 took advantage of an early retirement incentive program. While the campaign began with a focus on restoring 20 positions, after resignations and a reassignment, the final number of certificated staff members considered for layoff at the May 12 board meeting was 14. With one individual accepting a position in another district and the board rescinding the nine positions through the Foundation’s contribution, four educators received final layoff notices.
“The Schools Foundation, in partnership with the San Marino Unified School District, hopes that our community will rally in the remaining weeks of May to save the final four positions in a show of support for San Marino Unified teachers and students,” said Bilvado.
Superintendent Jeff Wilson thanked the community for its response to the financial challenge.
“I am so grateful that over 1,200 San Marino residents, friends, students and staff have come together around a truly worthy cause — to save some amazing and talented young educators and programs,” said Wilson. “Our students and schools will greatly benefit from our community’s commitment to provide not only the best academic programs possible, but truly outstanding visual and performing arts and world language programs at our middle and high schools.”
To make a donation that will be matched by the Schools Foundation, visit wearesanmarino.smsf.org.
Foundation Initiates Incentive Program to Close Campaign
