March 15 layoff notices: Board information

It is essential for governing board members to be familiar with information about the March 15 notice, its implementation process and the strict legal requirements attached to the process.

The March 15 notice is a formal, written announcement from a school district to administrators, certificated employees and others — required by Education Code section 44949 — informing them that they may be released, demoted or reassigned for the following school year beginning July 1. Before March 15, the district board must adopt a resolution stating that services are to be reduced and/or discontinued and that it is necessary to reduce the staff, specifying the extent of the reduction. The resolution must also direct the superintendent to notify affected employees.

The notice must advise the employee that the superintendent has recommended to the board that the employee be notified that his or her services will not be required for the following year, the reasons for the recommendation and the employee’s right to request a hearing to determine whether there is cause for the action (this must be done within seven days of receiving the notice, unless the notice specifies a later date). The notices must be delivered personally or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested. See Education Code section 44949 for further details concerning the content of the notice.

If there are any appeals, the proposed decision of the administrative law judge must be delivered to the board or county superintendent no later than May 7. A copy of the proposed decision must be sent to all affected employees. Before May 15, the board must adopt a final decision regarding laying off employees effective for the following school year.