For the first time in several years, the Santa Barbara school district did not have to issue pink slips to any of its permanent teachers. However, all 48 temporary teachers — paid for by “soft” money, such as grant dollars — were issued end-of-assignment notices as they are every year by the statewide deadline, March 15. Last year, six permanent teachers were laid off, and 77 temporary teachers were released. Next year, student enrollment numbers are expected to remain the same. At the last board meeting, trustees approved an early-retirement incentive for qualifying teachers (55 years old working five years at the district, or 50 years old working 30 years). Human Resources will fill all of those vacancies and will know how many temporary teachers will return once next year’s budget is finalized.
