In an effort to reduce spending amid county concerns of budget instability, the Alvord Unified School District Board of Education unanimously voted February 12 to lay off up to 123 employees by the fall semester.
“District enrollment has steadily declined while staffing levels have remained comparatively high,” the district wrote in a statement. “To align staffing with enrollment and maintain a balanced budget, the district is planning a roughly 10% reduction in non-management certificated positions for the 2026-2027 school year.”
The district said the reduction of 101 teacher positions was in response to an enrollment decline of about 3,000 students over the past decade. The district said it expected to lose approximately 850 more students by next year.
The Alvord Educators Association union president declined to comment on the district’s decision when contacted by The Riverside Record.
The district also said it would be cutting 22 classified positions at the direction of the Riverside County Office of Education to “ensure fiscal solvency and retain local control.”
Several campus supervisors, a head custodian and a school secretary were among those listed who could be potentially laid off.
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“The action is necessary to ensure long-term financial stability and avoid more severe cuts in the future,” the statement added. “[AUSD] remains committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities while responsibly managing resources to ensure long-term stability for students, staff and the community.”
Craig Petinak, the Public relations director for the county agency, said in a statement the Riverside County Office of Education does not direct districts on specific staffing reductions. It does, however, provide an analysis to each district several times a year to help with budget planning and decision-making.
“Every district is responsible for maintaining fiscal solvency and meeting its financial obligations in the current year and the two subsequent fiscal years,” Patinek said.
California school district administrators are legally required to send notifications of potential layoffs by March 15. The districts then have until May 15 to give notices to staff placed on the final list.
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