Tam Union High School District Approves Urgent $2.2M Layoffs

UPDATE: The Tamalpais Union High School District has just approved a staggering $2.2 million in preliminary layoffs due to declining enrollment and a significant budget deficit. In a decisive move, trustees voted unanimously 4-0 on Tuesday, with trustee Ida Green abstaining, to issue “pink slips” affecting over 24 employees, including more than 11 teachers and 13 classified staff.

This urgent decision comes as the district faces a looming state deadline of March 15 for sending out warning notices. The layoffs could be reversed if retirements or other vacancies arise before the final cut-off date of May 14. “These are folks, and this is their livelihood,” Green stated, reflecting the emotional weight of the board’s decision.

Wes Cedros, assistant superintendent of human resources, emphasized the necessity of aligning staffing with enrollment, stating, “While this is a technical and legal requirement of school district operations, we recognize the personal impact it has on our valued colleagues.” The layoffs could involve the equivalent of 10.8 full-time positions among teachers and 12.8 full-time positions among classified workers.

Among the affected roles are a school counselor, an alternative school principal, and teachers across various subjects, including French, Spanish, and special education. Cedros pointed out that maintaining a minimum 17% reserve of annual expenditures is critical for the district’s $128.8 million general fund budget. Failure to do so could lead to severe financial repercussions, including impacts on the district’s bond rating.

In a related development during Tuesday’s meeting, trustee Kyle Jackson, who served as the intervention coordinator for the Black Student Success Team at Tamalpais High School, submitted a resignation under pressure. Jackson clarified, “This resignation is not voluntary and is being submitted under circumstances that were presented to me as a forced outcome.” He was initially recruited to address previous controversies regarding the management of the Black Student Success Team.

Superintendent Courtney Goode stated the district plans to replace Jackson to ensure continued support for students. “We will aggressively recruit a new Intervention Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year,” Goode confirmed in an email.

As the district navigates these challenging waters, the emotional toll on staff and the community is palpable. The urgency of this situation demands immediate attention as it unfolds. Stakeholders are urged to follow this developing story closely as the implications of these layoffs extend far beyond the classroom.