VENTURA : School Board Votes to Approve Layoffs of 41

With little discussion, the board of the Ventura Unified School District voted unanimously Tuesday to send layoff notices to 41 classified employees, including secretaries, bus drivers and custodians.

The 30-day notices were part of the district’s efforts to trim a projected deficit of $3.2 million from its $57-million budget.

More than 200 people packed the room at Ventura City Hall where the meeting was held Tuesday night, but only three spoke to the board in opposition to the cuts.

Barbara Hudoba, president of the Ventura Classified Employees Assn., said in an interview that the union will ask to negotiate the layoffs.

She said many association members believe that they already are overworked because of cutbacks last year.

Some feel that classified positions are bearing the brunt of the cutbacks again this year, she said.

“It’s not fair,” Hudoba said.

“Classified took a $250,000 hit last year.”

Positions to be terminated include health assistants, grounds workers, teaching assistants, a painter and a carpenter.

According to Hudoba, a districtwide study two years ago showed that the district’s classified workers were making 2% to 20% less than classified employees in other districts statewide.

“How much more do you want from a classified employee?” Hudoba asked.

“Most people are already doing one and a half jobs. We gave already, and they’re asking us to give more. I don’t see how they can ask for more.”

Earlier this year, the district also sent notices to teachers and administrators in the district warning them that they could be laid off.

However, no layoff notices have been issued to those employees.