Fresno Unified’s classified workers, alongside union leaders and educators, unloaded at the School Board meeting Wednesday night, opposing possible layoffs, hiring freezes, and denied raises.

“Any decision that reduces or destabilizes operations at schools will inevitably impact (student) learning conditions,” grounds worker Albert Rojas said.

“It is disappointing to see and hear that FUSD leadership is even considering layoffs or hiring freezes for classified workers. We’re the lowest paid workers and yet what we do directly supports the health and safety of the students.”

Old Contract Ended Last June

Service Employees International Union Local 521, representing classified employees including bus drivers and janitors, is negotiating a three-year contract with Fresno Unified. The contract ended June 30, 2025 and new negotiations began in early August.

“To ensure budget stability, the district is implementing a strategic elimination of particular kinds of services due to lack of funding,” the district said in a statement. “This plan includes targeted hiring freezes, eliminating vacant positions, and reductions in force. These reductions encompass all employee classification including management, certificated, and classified positions.”

The district faces a $50 million budget deficit over the next two years. The deficit comes as COVID-era funding ends and student enrollment continues to decline.

Recently, trustees approved a supplemental retirement plan for more than 550 employees, looking to about $56 million over the next five years.

Related Story: Hemorrhaging Millions, Fresno Unified Offers Early Retirement to Employees

But these savings only occur if the employees who retire are not replaced. This is an issue for classified workers who say they are already spread thin.

They predict that these cuts will accelerate burnout, drive away staff, and deepen enrollment decline — perpetuating the current budget challenges.

This isn’t an isolated issue.  Los Angeles Unified School District is dealing with a similar situation, contemplating layoffs to balance its budget. Meanwhile, West Contra Costa Unified must cut its payroll by 10% or face insolvency. And Sacramento City Unified must make massive budget cuts to avoid a state takeover.

Classified Workers ‘Backbone’ of Fresno Unified

Fresno Teachers Association leadership and community members joined SEIU, showing support for what many called “the backbone” or “foundation” of Fresno Unified.

“I strongly recommend the district should not balance their budget by freezing wages on the lowest paid employees in our district. I’m talking about our classified employees,” Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi said during a council meeting. “Classified employees ensure that Fresno students get to school, have safe and healthy schools, and are fed every day.”

Now this job is getting harder, plagued by reduced hours and less support, grounds worker Andrew Martinez said.

“If you’re asked to do more with less time, the quality of the work dips,” he said. “If you have less staff, how are those standards met for the students, right?”

Classified workers aren’t the only ones dealing with cuts. The district is looking at a reduction of 20 counselor positions, according to an FTA social media post.

“With the district project reserve levels over 10% at the end of the year, layoffs should not be inevitable. They are a choice,” said Manuel Bonilla, FTA president.

Speakers Acknowledge Budget Reductions

The crowd acknowledged budget constraints but believe cuts should be kept away from the classroom.

Many speakers identified a top-heavy administration and consultants as areas to reduce.

Additionally, several individuals criticized the School Board for approving state-sanctioned raises for themselves. Five of the seven trustees have chosen to accept the pay bump — shifting $143,500 yearly from the education budget to trustee pay.

“I’m not against anybody making money,” Martinez said. “(But) if you want to give yourself a raise wait until we’re out of this really bad time.”

Additionally, the top brass is responsible for finding solutions, and the budget burden shouldn’t fall on classified workers, he said.