Grossmont Union High School moves forward with dozens of staff layoffs

Tensions escalated during the Grossmont Union High School District board meeting on April 25 as parents and staff voiced their anger over proposed layoffs affecting 61 positions. Community members rallied outside the Grossmont High School Event Center before the meeting, urging the board to rescind the layoff notices. Trustee Chris Fite's support for canceling the layoffs stood out amid heated discussions, prompting strong reactions from the crowd. Teacher-librarian Jason Balestreri, who received a layoff notice, expressed concerns about the district's financial justifications for the cuts. Collin McGlashen, a district spokesperson, recognized the emotional weight of the situation while stressing the board's responsibility to allocate resources effectively.

The board's final decision regarding the layoffs is scheduled for May 8. The superintendent had previously recommended eliminating 49 certified and 12 classified positions to address long-term challenges. Community advocacy highlights the critical impact of these proposed layoffs on local education.