Elk Grove Unified School District Superintendent Steven M. Ladd pulled a controversial recommendation to give raises to five upper managers off the table at Tuesday night's board meeting.
The move met with applause from more than 40 members of the California School Employees Association in the audience.
The district's para-educators, many of whom have been laid off, opposed the raises that ranged from 5.5 percent to 26 percent. Two managers were tapped to receive raises of $17,000 and $31,000.
"I will be back with this recommendation," said Ladd, but he did not say when.
The managers' raises were first discussed at last week's meeting.
At that time, board members Chet Madison, Jeanette Amavisca and Priscilla Cox said they opposed the hikes unless 42 laid-off teachers and classified workers were to return to work.
Tuesday night, CSEA President Mary Deutsch said that 27 para-educators, who serve in a variety of support programs, have yet to be reinstated and are effectively laid off. They will not receive salaries or benefits until – or unless – they are reinstated.
Xavier De La Torre, the district's associate superintendent of human resources, confirmed that 38 teachers and para-educators have been laid off.
If the district receives certain grant money in the coming months, however, 31 para-educators could return, said De La Torre.
He added that he is confident the remaining employees – seven teachers – will return to the district for the new school year.
In early March, the district – facing a dismal fiscal situation – issued pink slips to 137 teaching positions and 80 classified positions.
The budget outlook improved in May, and many – but not all – positions were restored.
The district recently announced its 2008-09 budget shortfall will be $15 million, compared with earlier estimates of $25 million. It also projects to have a $17 million reserve for 2008-09.
Call The Bee's Melissa Nix, (916) 478-2653.
