Gustine Unified School District Board of Trustees voted to layoff seven expanded learning opportunities program positions during Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting.

Five ELOP paraprofessional and two leader positions, a full-time equivalent of 3.76, will be laid off. According to the agenda documents, the decision on the matter is “to give to all classified employees affected by any decision for lack of work or lack of funds no later than March 15 and be informed of their displacement rights, if any, and reemployment rights.”

“The Board of Trustees confirms that all programs and services by classified employees of the District that are not so identified shall be maintained and staffed with individuals who are qualified to perform such services,” the agenda item reads. “The Board of Trustees reserves the right to identify additional positions for reduction or elimination.”

School districts statewide have begun layoffs, some of which are due to declining enrollment. Fresno Unified authorized 250 layoff notices. Oakland Unified Board of Trustees voted to lay off around 400 employees. Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District board approved to cut 17 staff positions last month.

GUSD has dealt with declining enrollment since the 2020-21 school year. According to a second interim budget presentation on Wednesday, the district has 1,598 enrollees this year and an average daily attendance of around 1,470 students. Less enrollees are expected for next year at 1,572 students.

Since 2017-18, statewide enrollment has trended downwards. After having 5.83 enrollees in 2023-24, there were 31,469 less students enrolled the following year, according to data from the  California Department of Education.