Coachella Valley Unified Approves $47M Fiscal Stabilization Plan, Cuts Nearly 200 Positions

The Coachella Valley Unified School District has approved a fiscal stabilization plan aimed at addressing a $47 million budget shortfall, with nearly 200 staff positions eliminated as part of the effort. The district faced warnings from the Riverside County Office of Education that it could run out of money during the next school year without significant reductions. The biggest cuts are coming from classified staff, including instructional aides and bus drivers, a decision that has raised concerns among students and teachers. “We’re already struggling with transportation,” said one student, highlighting delays in getting to and from school due to limited bus availability. “Sometimes there’s no bus at all, and I have to find another way home.” Other cuts include a 25% reduction in classified and certified management departments, a $3 million decrease in contracts with the Riverside County Latino Commission, and the transfer of $13 million in development agency funds to the general fund. Teachers and students voiced frustration over how the district reached this point, citing mismanagement and lack of oversight by previous leadership. Factors contributing to the financial strain included inflated cost-of-living adjustments, unexecuted staff reductions, overstated labor negotiations, and reliance on one-time funds to pay ongoing costs. Some teachers fear that classroom resources will ultimately be impacted despite assurances otherwise. “We’ve already battled over basic supplies like paper this year,” said one teacher. “They say they’re protecting classrooms, but is that really the case?” Final layoff notices are expected by May 15, with terminations effective June 30. The district’s next board meeting is scheduled for January 23, when additional measures may be discussed. The community continues to demand transparency and accountability as the district navigates this challenging period.