CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - The Sweetwater Union High School District Monday handed out dozens of pink slips to administrators as the district deals with a $42 million budget shortfall for the next school year.
The board agreed during a meeting in Chula Vista Saturday to release up to 87 employees.
Not every employee who receives a pink slip will lose their job. In a written statement, the district said the employees “may be released or reassigned from their position.”
Community forums on the matter will be held at the end of the month.
RELATED: Financial failures rouse growing concerns in Sweetwater Union High School District board meeting
Meantime, the SUHSD is expected to release a report Monday on how to get out of debt.
In September 2018, the district noticed a $30 million dollar budget shortfall. An independent audit revealed the district was borrowing money faster than it could pay back. This fiscal year alone, the district will borrow $93 million, in addition to the $36 million it already owes; the money coming from Mello-Roos taxes.
In December, the San Diego County Office of Education appointed a fiscal advisor with power to stay and rescind any financial decision made by the troubled district.
RELATED: Timeline of Sweetwater's financial woes
The district also announced in December 300 employees and teachers would take early retirement plans to help balance the budget. Many of those teachers did not return to school after winter break.
