Parents protest potential teacher layoffs at Westmorland Union Elementary School District

WESTMORLAND, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Parents, students, and advocates say they will protest and stand in solidarity with those teachers who may be laid off by the end of the school year. 

“We are sending a message and we hope that it is loud and people start taking responsibility for the actions we have to take to get them to listen," said Darlene Berber, a local parent and community advocate.

In a letter and interview, Superintendent Richard Cordero shared that one of the reasons for the potential teacher layoffs is the lack of student attendance.

He said enrollment has decreased compared to five years ago from 395 to 335 students. 

However, parents believe the superintendent is not being transparent with them. 

“His lack of attention towards the suffering needs of the community and the children he is very negligent of their concerns about people who have complaints he does not follow through with them," said Diana De Luna, a local parent.

The superintendent said more than 100 students did not attend school on Wednesday in protest.

That includes the student of one parent who said their teacher might be one of the ones getting cut.

"I grew up here… Never in our lives have we ever had to deal with such serious matter of this sort of people losing their livelihood and their incomes… You know these are things we depend on these are teachers that our children have come to know you know… Children with disabilities are affected at this school right now," stated Diana.

Another parent also expressed their concern.

"As a resident of Westmorland and parent of a student that attends the school, it is upsetting that over 30 jobs of individuals who work directly with kids are being affected. Everyone knows you have to make cuts from the top and the school is making cuts on the people who work the hardest for the least amount of pay and work with the students which will only save a couple of dollars compared to what we could save if administration would make more of a sacrifice and combine the superintendent and principal position as has always been previously done at the school," stated Isela Valenzuela, a local parent.

The superintendent said four teachers will receive a letter by the end of this week stating they could possibly be laid off at the end of the school year.

He says those teachers are still working at the school, however, parents and advocates say they will continue to protest to try and prevent the layoffs.

Below is the full letter from the Westmorland Union Elementary School District.