Parents Rally Against Isaac School Board’s Decision to Outsource Cafeteria and Custodial Jobs

In a significant move to address its financial struggles, the Isaac School Board has decided to outsource its cafeteria, nighttime custodial, and landscaping services. The decision aims to reduce costs and manage a considerable debt of $28 million. The board anticipates these changes will allow for recovery and stabilization.

Isaac School Board President Patricia Jimenez emphasized the necessity of this decision, stating, “We have to make these tough decisions. It’s very hard, but the receiver, they’re in control right now, and we have to make sure we support him so we can get out of our finances as quickly as possible.” These discussions emerged after a sale of one of the district’s schools helped to alleviate some of the debt burden.

The district sold a school to Tolleson Union High School District for $25 million, providing a short-term fix. Isaac Schools now has twelve years to repurchase the building, with plans to achieve that within three years, according to Jimenez.

Reactions from the community at a recent school board meeting reflected disappointment over the outsourcing decision. Parent Bertha Chavez expressed frustration, insisting that district leaders, not the dedicated employees, should be held accountable for the financial situation. “They are responsible. They need to be accountable for their actions,” she stated passionately.

Employees affected by the move expressed feelings of betrayal. Andrea Valencia, President of the Isaac District Education Association, stressed the long-term dedication of workers, many of whom felt blindsided by the sudden changes. “It’s outright wrong, a stab in the back to these wonderful employees who have dedicated their lives to our district,” she asserted.

While current employees will be offered positions with the third-party service providers, concerns regarding benefits and retirement plans loom large among staff. Valencia voiced the urgency of preserving the district for the benefit of students: “We’re fighting so hard to keep our district here so that our students have a place to go.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, Jimenez could not clarify how many jobs would be directly impacted by this restructuring.