SIMI VALLEY : Arbitrator Backs Schools’ Layoffs
A state-appointed arbitrator has ruled in favor of Simi Valley Unified School District in 10 of 11 grievances filed by the teachers union, district officials said Thursday.
The Simi Valley Educators Assn. filed the grievances in March, claiming that the district violated its contract when it decided to lay off 32 temporary teachers and five school nurses to offset an $8-million budget deficit. The teachers union charged that the personnel cuts left the secondary schools understaffed.
“The teachers are disappointed, of course,” said Bill Davenport, president of the teachers union.
He said the only recourse for teachers will be to tighten up the language of the new contract, which will be negotiated in January.
Arbitrator Doug Collins sided with the teachers on one claim that the district violated their contract when it eliminated extra pay for school department heads, who would have received about $800 more a year.
Assistant Supt. Leon Mattingley said he had not had a chance to consult with the union attorney and school board on how to reactivate the stipends.
Mattingley said district officials were satisfied with the ruling.
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