The layoff process is arcane. There are rules about bumping and seniority which is why it takes so long. For instance, if a department determines that one of its functions is no longer needed (or a law is passed eliminating the function), they would have to go through their entire staff to determine seniority (based on years of state employment). If an employee in the eliminated unit had more seniority than one in an area that was going to continue operating, the higher seniority person would “bump” the other one of of their position, and then the bumping would continue through the staff until someone actually got laid off. By that time, the person getting laid off probably has another job lined up.
Also, can’t get savings in schools – Prop 98 sets a minimum guarantee. So even if enrollement declines, funding stays flat and just doesn’t grow. That’s why you hear teachers unions yelling about “cuts” when really they just aren’t growing at previous levels.
