Category Archives: RIF 2026

EEA Board of Education Meeting Update – May 20, 2026

EEA News, Elyria Board of Education, Levy, RIF 2026

The Elyria Board of Education met on May 20, 2026. President Elaine Seguin was not in attendance. Below are several items of importance for EEA members. Information was taken from the Board agenda and Treasurer’s report.

Treasurer’s Financial Update & Levy Discussion

Treasurer Colleen Aholt presented a brief May Forecast Update and levy discussion during the meeting.

According to the Treasurer, the district has made approximately $9.4 million in reductions overall, including:

  • $8.3 million in personnel reductions
  • $562,000 in transportation cuts
  • $100,000 in crossing guard reductions
  • $150,000 in district software reductions

The Treasurer also recommended that the Board place an 8.9 mill levy on the November 2026 ballot.

Proposed Levy Timeline

To place the levy on the November ballot:

  • The Board would need to approve an initial resolution at the June 10, 2026 Board meeting
  • A second resolution would need to be approved in July
  • Final certification would occur in August

Estimated Cost to Residents

The proposed levy would cost approximately:

  • $311 annually for a home valued at $100,000

EEA will continue monitoring discussions surrounding district finances, staffing impacts, and levy planning.

RIF’d Members Recalled

The Board approved the recall of 5 previously RIF’d members due to staff resignations. 

The following staff members were listed in the agenda materials:

  • Angela Caprara – Grade 5/6 Science Teacher, Northwood Middle
  • Lisa Pack – Intervention Specialist M/I, Westwood Elementary
  • Maclain Martin – Intervention Specialist M/M, Northwood Elementary
  • Meryl Smith (Kannenberg) – Intervention Specialist M/I, Eastern Heights Elementary
  • Cody Rodgers – Grade 7/8 STEAM/PLTW, Eastern Heights Middle

Continuing Contracts Approved for Certified Staff

The Board approved continuing contracts for certified staff effective August 19, 2026.

The following staff members were listed in the agenda materials:

  • Mary Bailey
  • Chloe Harigan
  • April Serfozo
  • Daniel Blatt
  • Lauren Broschk
  • Courtney Jones
  • Julie Mallcott
  • Sarah Shell
  • Carissa Silva
  • Leah Buzzelli
  • Ariana Miller
  • Courtney Stoll
  • Sarah Crosby
  • Natalie Perfette
  • Amanda Turza
  • Sophia Del Valle
  • Sarah Robinson
  • Lindsey Voros
  • Rachael Dorsey (Jandziszak)
  • Alexandra Rutherford
  • James “Matt” Wilson
  • Kasie Geschke
  • Lisa Schen

Congratulations to these educators on earning continuing contract status!

Additional Personnel & Board Items

Additional agenda items included:

  • Certified and classified staffing recommendations
  • Summer and ESY staffing approvals
  • Supplemental contracts and stipends
  • Transportation and student services contracts
  • Policy updates related to absenteeism, workplace policy, and overdose reversal procurement

EEA will continue to keep members informed as additional information becomes available regarding district finances, staffing, and levy discussions.

EEA Budget Committee Update

EEA Budget Committee, EEA News, RIF 2026

The EEA Budget Committee met on April 28 at Hamilton Elementary to review current expenditures and develop a draft budget for the 2026–2027 school year. This work comes at a particularly challenging time, as the association is preparing for a projected loss of approximately 31 members due to reductions in force (RIFs), which will significantly impact overall revenue.

In response, the committee has taken a careful and conservative approach to budgeting. The draft budget reflects a number of cost-saving measures designed to maintain core union functions while adjusting to reduced membership. These include reductions in officer compensation and mileage, scaling back member training allocations, and eliminating or reducing several discretionary spending areas.

Additionally, the committee identified opportunities to shift certain expenses away from the general fund by utilizing grant funding and alternative sources. Items such as scholarships, new teacher orientation supplies, and member engagement events may be supported through OEA Local Capacity or Local Development Grants, donations, or other external funding. Some expenses—such as apparel and charitable contributions—have been paused or removed from the draft budget for the upcoming year.

The committee also discussed maintaining essential operations, including arbitration reserves, communication costs, and officer training, while exploring ways to improve efficiency and reduce overhead where possible.

👉 The draft 2026–2027 EEA budget will be presented to the Advisory Committee on May 11. All members who are interested in reviewing the proposed budget and providing feedback are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Your input is especially important this year as we navigate financial adjustments while continuing to support members and uphold the work of the association.

Please reach out to an EEA officer if you have any questions in advance of the meeting.

April 22 Board Meeting & Reduction in Force

EEA News, RIF 2026

At tonight’s Elyria City Schools Board of Education meeting, the Board formally approved a Reduction in Force (RIF) impacting 31 EEA educator positions, as outlined in the official agenda.

This decision marks a significant and deeply felt loss for our district.

The Impact on Our Schools

These are not just positions being eliminated—these are educators who have built relationships with students, supported families, and contributed to the strength of our school community.

The loss of 31 educators will have immediate and lasting effects across the district, including:

  • Larger class sizes
  • Increased workload for remaining staff
  • Reduced support for students, particularly those with the greatest needs

Decisions like this do not happen in isolation. They shape the daily experiences of both students and educators and impact the overall quality of education in Elyria.

Standing with Our Members

We stand in solidarity with the educators affected by this decision.

Your work matters.
Your relationships with students matter.
The difference you have made in this district matters.

While tonight’s action may not reflect that value, our union and our community recognize the lasting impact you have had—and will continue to have.

President Linda Aguiñaga’s Address

EEA President Linda Aguiñaga addressed the Board on behalf of nearly 500 educators, speaking to the seriousness of this moment and its impact on the district.

She shared:

“Our members are not interchangeable positions or mere placeholders. They are the adults who students rely on for consistency, support, and connection. When those positions are eliminated, the impact is immediate and lasting—larger class sizes, increased demands on remaining staff, and fewer supports for students who need them most.”

She also emphasized the broader concern:

“Increasing demands while reducing and eliminating support is not a recipe for success.”

Looking Ahead

The Elyria Education Association remains committed to advocating for:

  • Strong learning conditions for students
  • Sustainable working conditions for educators
  • The long-term strength and stability of our schools

Tonight’s decision is difficult, and its impact will be felt across our district. As we move forward, we will continue to stand together in support of our members and the students we serve.

Key Takeaways from the March 25 Board of Education Meeting

Bargaining, Elyria Board of Education, RIF 2026

The Elyria Board of Education met on March 25, 2026, and several important items were discussed and approved that directly impact our members. Below is a summary of key updates, with particular attention to budget-related decisions and their effect on staff.

Budget-Driven Decisions & Staffing Impacts

One of the most significant actions taken at this meeting was the Board’s approval of a Reduction in Force (RIF) for non-teaching employees due to financial reasons.

While this specific action applies to non-teaching staff, it reflects the broader financial challenges facing the district. Decisions like these are never isolated, and they underscore the seriousness of the district’s current budget situation. Continue reading Key Takeaways from the March 25 Board of Education Meeting →

February 4, 2026 Board Meeting & RIF Plan

EEA News, Elyria Board of Education, RIF 2026

Thank you to all members who attended tonight’s Elyria City Schools Board of Education meeting. Your solidarity and advocacy for students and colleagues mattered.

At the meeting, the Board adopted a district Reduction-in-Force (RIF) Plan by a vote of 3–1. Board member Brent Parker cast the only “no” vote.

📺 Watch the meeting here: https://youtu.be/MVPP3B_3Ngo

Budget Reduction Summary (Total: $9,025,274)

Category Amount % of Total
Certified $5,552,459 61.5%
Classified $1,184,188 13.1%
Administrative $666,395 7.4%
Non-Personnel $623,800 6.9%
Transportation $672,807 7.5%
Supplemental $125,625 1.4%
Dept/Building $200,000 2.2%
Total $9,025,274 100%

Superintendent Ann Schloss shared that members should expect to find out whether they are being RIF’d before spring break. The EEA will do our utmost to ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for members throughout the process.

📘 EEA Resource: “Understanding the RIF Process” was shared to your personal email this evening.

Please Check Your Personal Email

A more detailed breakdown of the district’s plan has been sent to members via personal email. Please review that message for additional information.