Back-to-school worries at CVUSD after sweeping staff cuts

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) - As students prepare to return to class Wednesday, some Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) staff are voicing concerns about the district’s readiness — just months after sweeping layoffs aimed at closing a $50 million budget shortfall.

In May, CVUSD eliminated hundreds of positions in an effort to stabilize its finances. Some say the move, which district leaders say was necessary, has left many campuses scrambling to adjust workloads and responsibilities ahead of the new school year.

Billy Franco, who was impacted by the layoffs but was reassigned to a different position within the district, says the impact on student services is already being felt.

“Some of them are English-learner students. One of the tests they do is to see where their progress is and possibly push them out of that program. So with these employees, they are not there to do that position anymore.”

Billy Franco, CVUSD Paraeducator Special Education 

Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza responded to the concerns, defending the district’s actions as part of a broader fiscal stabilization strategy.

According to Esparza, CVUSD became overstaffed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when temporary relief funds were used to hire additional employees. With those funds now gone, the district says it is returning to sustainable staffing levels. She emphasized that student services and support would not be affected.

“We have planned for strategic planning adjustments to align our current resources with the needs of our students and our school sites without disruption.”

Dr. Frances Esparza, CVUSD Superintendent

As negotiations continue, both district officials and staff say they are committed to ensuring students have a successful start to the school year.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.