Dear Monrovia Unified School District Community,
Over the past year, Monrovia Unified School District’s Board of Education has taken proactive steps to safeguard our district’s long-term financial health while maintaining our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for all students. Through a series of Board meetings and community engagement sessions, we have thoughtfully examined the district’s financial outlook, explored potential solutions, and incorporated invaluable feedback from our community.
Understanding the Fiscal Stabilization Plan
Like many school districts across California, Monrovia Unified has faced a steady decline in student enrollment over the past decade due to factors such as rising housing costs and declining birth rates. On average, our district’s enrollment has decreased by approximately 2% annually, totaling a 20% decline over ten years.
To address these financial realities, the Board of Education, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, has approved the Monrovia Unified Fiscal Stabilization Plan (FSP). A key component of this plan requires the district to right-size our staffing levels to align with enrollment. While this is a difficult process, it is a necessary step to ensure Monrovia Unified remains financially stable for years to come.
Reduction in Force (RIF) Process
We recognize that many employees and families may have concerns about what this means moving forward. Transparency is a top priority, and we want to provide detailed information about the Reduction in Force (RIF) process, what to expect, and available resources.
Key Steps in the RIF Process:
- District Identifies Need for RIF: The district determines that staffing reductions are necessary due to budget constraints and declining enrollment.
- Board Resolution to Reduce Services: On February 26, 2025, The Board of Education will formally adopt a resolution to reduce “Particular Kinds of Services” (PKS) in accordance with Education Code 44955. This will generate a list of affected positions for the 2025–2026 school year.
- Notice Requirement: Our Human Resources Department will meet individually with all affected employees after the Board of Education meeting on February 26, 2025, to provide guidance and outline available options.
- Selection Process: When determining layoffs, various factors are considered, including student needs, appropriate credentialing, and seniority.
- The district has worked closely with the Monrovia Teachers Association (MTA) throughout the year to ensure seniority lists are accurate and that tiebreaker criteria are fair and documented. The Board approved these criteria in January 2025.
- Hearing Process: Employees who receive a RIF notice have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge to present evidence regarding their qualifications.
- Decision by the Governing Board: After reviewing the judge’s recommendation, the Board of Education will make final layoff determinations.
- Reemployment List: Employees laid off due to a RIF are placed on a reemployment list and may be rehired as positions become available based on seniority.
- The district’s initial RIF list will be larger than the anticipated need because we cannot add additional names later in the year after the Governor’s budget is released in May. However, we can rescind RIF notices if conditions improve.
- The district anticipates being able to reemploy or rescind some RIF notices, but exact numbers cannot be determined at this time.
Our Commitment to Supporting Employees
We understand that this process is difficult, and we are committed to supporting our employees every step of the way. We are extremely grateful for our partnership with MTA, which will continue to provide assistance and advocacy for those affected. While the RIF process is a challenging component of the Fiscal Stabilization Plan, it is necessary to secure the district’s financial health for future generations.
Thank You for Your Support
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and dedication to our students and schools during this time. Our goal remains the same: to provide the best possible education for Monrovia Unified students while ensuring the district remains strong and sustainable. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Human Resources Department or your MTA representatives.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paula Hart Rodas
Superintendent
Monrovia Unified School District