April 19, 2026
A review of materials prepared for service personnel hearings scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, identified a concern. While the reasons for reduction in force were explained to employees during the notification process, recent reduction in force letters issued to service employees did not include specific written statements of cause or causes for the recommended action.
Based on legal guidance, it was recommended that the April 20 hearings be postponed and that revised letters be issued to include the reasons for the proposed reduction in force recommendations. Because transfer letters contained the specific written statements of cause or causes, they will not be reissued. All hearings have been rescheduled for April 30, 2026, with a possible continuation on May 1,2026, if needed. Superintendent Walt Saunders and central office staff will reissue revised letters to all affected service employees beginning Monday, April 20, 2026.
This issue does not impact any professional personnel staff or hearings that were completed last week.
These actions reflect a commitment to clear and transparent communication with stakeholders and adherence to applicable policy and state law. As a result, final action on all personnel matters will occur following completion of the rescheduled hearings.
Based on legal guidance, it was recommended that the April 20 hearings be postponed and that revised letters be issued to include the reasons for the proposed reduction in force recommendations. Because transfer letters contained the specific written statements of cause or causes, they will not be reissued. All hearings have been rescheduled for April 30, 2026, with a possible continuation on May 1,2026, if needed. Superintendent Walt Saunders and central office staff will reissue revised letters to all affected service employees beginning Monday, April 20, 2026.
This issue does not impact any professional personnel staff or hearings that were completed last week.
These actions reflect a commitment to clear and transparent communication with stakeholders and adherence to applicable policy and state law. As a result, final action on all personnel matters will occur following completion of the rescheduled hearings.