The Elyria City School District Board of Education approved multiple reduction in force resolutions Tuesday night affecting administrators, certified staff and classified employees as district officials continue addressing ongoing financial challenges.
The formal action came during the board’s April 22 meeting, where Superintendent Ann Schloss introduced three separate resolutions tied to staffing reductions.
“We have several resolutions as we know for the reduction in force,” Schloss said during the meeting.
“The first one being that of the administration reduction in force, the second one being for the EA certified members and the third one being for the ESS which are the classified bargaining unit.”
The move comes as the district continues managing budget pressures that have sparked concern among educators and staff.
Before the board voted, Linda Aunaga, president of the Elyria Education Association, addressed board members during public comment, criticizing the district’s handling of collective bargaining and warning about the long-term effects of staff reductions.
“However, in the midst of this situation, we are also beginning the process of collective bargaining, and the board’s representatives have missed two important deadlines which have caused more than one delay at the very start of this very critical work,” Aunaga said.
She called the delays concerning and said the timing only intensified worries as the district moved forward with layoffs.
“That concern is only heightened by tonight’s reality, the official announcement of reductions in force,” she said.
Aunaga said while educators understand the district is facing financial strain, the impact of eliminating positions will be felt directly by students and remaining staff.
“Our members are not interchangeable positions or mere placeholders. They are the adults students rely on for consistency, support, and connection,” she said.
She warned the cuts would lead to larger class sizes, heavier workloads and fewer supports for students.
“When these adults are eliminated, the impact is immediate and lasting—larger class sizes, increased demands on remaining staff, and fewer supports for students who need them the most,” Aunaga said.
“Increasing demands while reducing and eliminating support is not a recipe for success.”
She also raised concerns about district leadership and preparedness during both financial decision-making and contract negotiations.
“Taken together, the challenges we are seeing raise serious concerns about the direction of the district,” Aunaga said.
Following her remarks, Schloss publicly pushed back, asking for clarification regarding the union’s criticism over missed deadlines.
“I also would like to ask Miss Aunaga to please let us know what we allegedly did not do in a timely manner. I would love to know what that is. If you could email me,” Schloss said.
The board ultimately approved the reduction in force resolutions as part of the superintendent’s personnel action items.
The resolutions cover three categories of employees: administration, certified staff including teachers, and classified staff represented through the ESS bargaining unit.
Specific positions affected were listed in the board agenda as part of the personnel package reviewed by board members.
The district has not publicly stated how many total positions will be eliminated.
Aunaga closed her remarks by urging the board to consider the message being sent to educators and the community.
“The choices made now will determine whether that strength is sustained or diminished,” she said.
