By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor
Five classified positions were eliminated by the trustees of the Rim of the World Unified School District at their March 13 meeting.
Resolution 24/25-17 states: “Be it resolved that the governing board of the Rim of the World Unified School District hereby determines that the following classified positions be reduced or eliminated for lack of work or lack of funds.”
The positions listed are:
- Assistant principal’s secretary
- Accounts payable/business technician
- Campus security
- Coordinator of risk management
- Skilled grounds
The layoff will be effective on June 30, 2025. Those employees will be eligible for reemployment.
In discussing the resolution, Trustee Bill Mellinger noted that “we are trying to reduce expenditures, cut back in the district office. The budget committee looked at different ways to reduce the budget. We are already in deficit spending. We are trying to save funds for the classrooms.”
Dr. Paul Sevillano, the school superintendent, added they are “ensuring we meet our financial obligations to reduce operational costs.” He added they are making sure the size of the district office matches the size of the district.
The four trustees present unanimously approved the resolution. The estimated savings are $426,000.
A second resolution – 24/25-18 – called for the reduction in certain certificated positions:
- District librarian services – 1 FTE (full-time equivalent)
- High school counselor services – 1 FTE
- High school ROP/CTE graphic design teaching services – 0.2 FTE
The resolution states that the district “has determined that it is in the best interests of the district and the welfare of the schools and the pupils thereof that the particular kinds of services set forth herein must be reduced or discontinued due to financial conditions.”
The anticipated savings are $269,025.
The four trustees present also approved this resolution unanimously.
Following the meeting, Dr. Sevillano noted that a county librarian will oversee the Rim library technicians.
The board approved the purchase of 650 Chromebooks, which will be sent home with students in Grades 3 through 5 at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year and returned at the end of that school year. The $257,833 cost will be covered by Title 1 funds.
A third resolution having to do with maintaining a positive financial position was passed by the trustees: “To maintain fiscal solvency within established state standards, the district has identified budget reductions in the form of personnel and non-personnel changes.
“Further reductions will be needed in the 2025-2026 school year in order to maintain a positive financial position. Regardless, the district still projects a deficit spending pattern and will utilize reserves to maintain a positive ending fund balance.”
The board approved the three people – Jeff Young, Kimberlee Shefts and Dave Ficke – who had submitted applications to serve on the Measure E oversight.
That committee needs at least one more member but is open to a total of seven. The application is still on the district website – rimsd.k12.ca.us.
Trustee Cindy Gardner thanked the three who were approved for volunteering and “wanting to put the time in.”
The board also approved a fourth resolution, regarding its intention to issue tax-exempt general obligation bonds, as approved by Measure E on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot. The entire $71 million amount will not be issued at once but rather in smaller amounts as prioritized projects are undertaken.
Proposals for LED lighting conversion, roofing and new kitchen flooring were also approved by the board.
In an effort to enhance security in schools and on school grounds, Allegiance Electric will be replacing existing outdoor lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting at designated district sites. This upgrade, the proposal states, “will not only improve visibility and security for students, staff and visitors but also contribute to energy savings and sustainability efforts.”
The approximate cost is $104,340.
Lake Arrowhead Elementary School sustained roof damage during the February rainstorms. Sections of the roof had blown off, causing leaks in the classrooms. A $61,841 proposal from 4 Seasons Roofing to perform the emergency repairs was approved by the board.
Chief Financial Officer Jenny Haberlin noted the district has submitted an insurance claim so the cost should be reimbursed.
The kitchen flooring at Charles Hoffman Elementary, Lake Arrowhead Elementary, Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate and Rim High School was reported to be worn, outdated and damaged. Business Services recommended it be replaced at an approximate cost of $95,000.
The trustees unanimously approved the proposal.
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