1. Does the layoff notice I received in March mean that I will be released?

   • The certified letter you received in March is a preliminary layoff notice, required by the Education Code whenever the District implements a Reduction in Force (RIF). Unless the preliminary notice is rescinded for any reason, you may be released effective June 30, 2026. Final layoff notices will be sent by May 15.

2. What is the "normal" timeline for layoffs?

   • By March 15 (Preliminary Notices)
     • District must send notice to any permanent or probationary employee who may be laid off for the following school year
   • By May 15 (Final Notices)
     • District must deliver final rescinded notices for any employees who will be laid off for the next school year
   • Note—though final notices must be distributed by May 15th, layoffs may still be rescinded prior to June 30 and employees will be eligible to be rehired into appropriate vacancies throughout the summer (and for the duration of their reemployment period).

3. If I have the same seniority date as another teacher(s), how is the order of return prioritized?

   • In the event of "ties" with seniority dates, a number of factors are considered to determine the order of rehire. These factors include type of credential (clear or preliminary), additional teaching authorizations, possession of BCLAD credential, current column placement on the salary schedule, service as an induction mentor teacher, and possession of a license through the Board of Behavioral Sciences.

4. If I am laid off, when will I receive my final paycheck?

   • The final regular paycheck will be distributed on June 30, 2026. Additionally, All OSD teachers have a monthly withholding to cover the "summer paycheck" which will be paid on July 30, 2026.

5. What happens to my accrued illness account balance?

   • If you are employed by another district within 1 year from the date of layoff, you may transfer your accrued illness hours to that district.
   • If you are reemployed by the District within 39 months from the date of layoff, your accrued illness hours will be restored (unless already used in another district).

6. Will I continue to receive health benefits?

   • In general, teachers that are laid off are eligible to elect the continuation of health benefits at the employee's expense under COBRA. The District will provide eligible employees with information regarding COBRA benefits prior to the expiration of District provided health benefits.

7. Will I be eligible for unemployment benefits?

   • Yes, generally laid off workers are able to collect unemployment. For additional information call the Employment Development Department at 833-978-2511 or visit the California Employment Development Department website (edd.ca.gov) for additional information.

8. If I am laid off, how can I be reemployed by the District?

   Permanent and probationary employees are automatically placed on a reemployment list and, as positions become available, are offered the opportunity to re-contract in order of seniority.

9. I heard OSD is hiring Special Education teachers. How can I become a Special Education Teacher?

   • While OSD strives to hire fully credentialed Special Education teachers, there are instances when the District has to hire SPED teachers that are not yet fully credentialed. A number of local universities and online universities have programs that allow already credentialed teachers to add authorization to teach in Special Education. In order to be considered for a teacher opening in the area of Special Education, you must provide evidence of enrollment in a program for SPED credentialing.

10. What if I have other questions?

    • Personnel specific questions can be sent directly to the OSD Certificated Human Resources Department:
      • Dr. Scott Carroll, Assistant Superintendent: scarroll@oxnardsd.org
      • Allison Cordes, Director: acordes@oxnardsd.org
    • Union/association specific questions can be sent directly to:
      • Stacie Thurman, OEA President: sthurman@oxnardsd.org

OSD Classified Reduction in Force (RIF) Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the layoff notice I received in March mean that I will be released?

   • The certified letter you received in March is a preliminary layoff notice, required by the Education Code whenever the District implements a Reduction in Force (RIF). Unless the preliminary notice is rescinded for any reason, you may be released effective June 30, 2026. Final layoff notices will be sent by May 15.

2. What is the "normal" timeline for layoffs?

   • By March 15 (Preliminary Notices)
     • District must send notice to any permanent or probationary employee who may be laid off for the following school year
   • By May 15 (Final Notices)
     • District must deliver final notices for any employees who will be laid off for the next school year
   • Note—though final notices must be distributed by May 15th, layoffs may still be rescinded prior to June 30 and employees will be eligible to be rehired into appropriate vacancies throughout the summer (and for the next 39 months).

3. If I have the same seniority date as another staff member, how is the order of return prioritized?

   • In the event of "ties" with seniority dates, a number of factors are considered to determine the order of rehire. When two or more unit members have equal seniority, the determining factor shall be total district seniority based on initial hire date into any permanent position within the District. When two or more unit members subject to layoff are determined to have equal seniority, the seniority ranking shall be determined by drawing lots.

4. If I am laid off, when will I receive my final paycheck?

   • The final regular paycheck will be distributed on June 30, 2026. Additionally, 11-month OSD employees have a monthly withholding to cover the "summer paycheck" which will be paid on July 30, 2026.

5. What happens to my accrued vacation account balance?

   • Upon separation from the District vacation time shall be paid out to the employee in the final paycheck.

6. What happens to my accrued illness account balance?

   • If you are employed by another district within 1 year from the date of layoff, you may transfer your accrued illness hours to that district.
   • If you are reemployed by the District within 39 months from the date of layoff, your accrued illness hours will be restored (unless already used in another district).

7. Will I continue to receive health benefits?

   • In general, staff members receiving health benefits prior to lay off are eligible to elect the continuation of health benefits at the employee's expense under COBRA. The District will provide eligible employees with information regarding COBRA benefits prior to the expiration of District provided health benefits.

8. Will I be eligible for unemployment benefits?

   • Yes, generally laid off workers are able to collect unemployment. For additional information call the Employment Development Department at 833-978-2511 or visit the California Employment Development Department website (edd.ca.gov) for additional information.

9. If I am laid off, how can I be reemployed by the District?

   • Permanent and probationary employees are automatically placed on a reemployment list and, as positions become available, are offered the opportunity to return to employment in order of seniority.
   • As a permanent or probationary employee, you will be kept on the reemployment list for 39 months from the date of layoff.

10. What if I have other questions?

    • Personnel specific questions can be sent directly to the OSD Classified Human Resources Department:
      • Dr. Scott Carroll, Assistant Superintendent: scarroll@oxnardsd.org
      • Allison Cordes, Director: acordes@oxnardsd.org
    • Union/association specific questions can be sent directly to:
      • Lisa Towery, CSEA Labor Rep: ltowery@csea.com