The Plumas County Office of Education/Plumas Unified School District conducted its board meeting on May 14 in Chester, followed by a special session to finalize employee layoffs initially presented in March.
The board had previously approved resolutions resulting in 22 employee layoffs, but following the identification of errors in some layoff notices, several layoffs were rescinded. Ultimately, 10 layoffs were finalized on May 14, just ahead of the May 15 deadline. The layoff process generated allegations of procedural errors, with public commenters highlighting concerns regarding the process. Administrative Law Judge Sean Gavin’s findings indicated that the district should have laid off its three least-senior teachers, which it did not do, instead skipping five less senior teachers.
Teachers from Greenville Elementary, including Shannon Phillips and Lauren McIntire, spoke against the layoffs, emphasizing that the process was rushed and noncompliant with legal standards. McIntire argued that the layoffs would not significantly impact the district’s finances and suggested allowing the state to guide necessary changes. Alicia Banning, president of the Plumas California Teachers Association, expressed disapproval of the layoffs and warned of a potential grievance for contract violations.
Despite the objections, the board approved all 10 layoffs, which included two PCOE employees and several PUSD employees, including a licensed vocational nurse and two certificated teachers, McIntire and Sarah Cardin, despite the adverse judgement from Judge Gavin. PUSD’s counsel recommended proceeding with the layoffs, contradicting the judge’s ruling.
In addition to the layoffs, the board approved 14 staff resignations, including 11 from PUSD, with notable resignations including Human Resource Director Megan Daun and Chief Business Official Mallory Marin from PCOE. Both are set to leave their roles by June 30, and the district’s interim superintendent indicated that these positions would not be filled.
