With a decision on the next Superintendent of the School District hovering in the wings, tapping its toes almost nervously, the School Board, at a muted meeting last night at Lin Howe School, took a single significant action:
As anticipated, the Board approved layoff notices for 20 fulltime District employees and for one less than half-time administrative position ahead of the state-imposed March 15 deadline.
This is an every early spring ritual in many California districts, a warning that the holders of these jobs are at-risk in case of some combination of short-funding and an enrollment falloff.
Although hearts beat faster each year when the lists of the vulnerable are posted, the layoff tally in Culver City in recent years has been minimal. Sources told the newspaper “five at most” are likely to be laid off.
Reaching the job-separation decision was labored, the vote being 3 to 1 to 1 with the two educators on the Board dissenting. Karlo Silbiger voted “no” and Prof. Patricia Siever held her opinion in abeyance. Mr. Silbiger contended that two administrative positions should have been on the list.
While the School District unfolds its ironing board and continues to smooth out wrinkles in its approved-but-unfulfilled transfer to Council Chambers in City Hall for its fourth-Tuesday-of-the-month meetings, two other topics were competing for attention.
Supporters of the rehired Culver City High School drama teacher Sheila Silver thanked the School Board for applying its insight to restoring the popular role model, who was not present.
Before the Sheila Silver story captivated the schools community this month, it had been expected that a new Superintendent would be unveiled at last night’s meeting, and the strongest voices in Culver City are rooting for the People’s Choice, Interim Supt. Patti Jaffe. She remains the late favorite when the vote is taken, likely next month.
