Milpitas Schools Avoiding Layoffs, Furloughs

Teachers and employees with Milpitas public schools likely will not see layoffs or furloughs next school year.

The recommendation was made Tuesday as the Milpitas Unified School District Board of Education went over its latest version of the budget for next school year.

"Our financial picture doesn't look as bad as other districts'," said Phuong Le, the district's assistant superintendent.

Le and members of the board credited the district's "prudent" spending for avoiding the strikes and picket lines that other districts are facing during tough economic times.  

"We are very blessed and I'm thankful we have a board and a district we can work hand and hand with," said Machelle Kessinger, president of California School Employees Association Chapter 281, which represents Milpitas school workers.

The district will go to voters in June for approval of a new property tax that would raise $95 million for school repairs and upgrades.