The embattled and divided Big Oak Flat Groveland School Board of Trustees continues to wrestle with an ever-increasing list of issues that, if left unresolved, threaten to engulf the district in chaos and financial ruin.

The district, which is funded primarily by property tax revenue that continues to shrink, and a drastic reduction in state aid, is facing a budget deficit that could exceed $700,000 according to interim District Superintendent Mike King.

On the recommendation of King, the board majority of Ian Morcott, Lori West and Paul Spring voted to reduce the number of work days (and thus their salary) for all district administrators, decided to consolidate the district superintendent and Tioga High School principalship into a single position, issued potential layoff notices to eight district teachers and notified Tioga Principal Sandy Bradley of a possible reassignment for next year. The district must also find a replacement for Tenaya Principal MaryAnn Quinn, who is retiring in June.

In other board action, the district voted to hire a recruiting firm to aid in the selection of a new principal/superintendent and to approve a second interim budget for the 2009-2010 school year.

District Trustees Mike Malloy and Gloria Marler voted against the issuance of layoff notices, even though any certificated personnel that may be terminated must receive a preliminary notice by March 15. Malloy and Marler also vociferously objected to the hiring of a recruiting firm and the possible reassignment of Bradley.

Several students, along with some teachers and community members, also voiced their objection against layoff notices to teachers, and expressed their support for Bradley as the new superintendent/principal, even though she has publicly stated that she has no interest in the position.

In related district developments, Tioga teacher Ryan Dutton has withdrawn his lawsuit against the district, which has in turn agreed not to hold Dutton responsible for legal fees the district incurred in defending the suit. Still unresolved is another lawsuit against the district filed by former Superintendent Mari Brabbin for alleged unlawful termination.

The school district could face yet another lawsuit from Don Pedro area residents should they ultimately decide to close Don Pedro High School. While no decision has yet been reached concerning the status of the high school located in the southern tip of the Big Oak Flat Groveland School District, Superintendent King has recommended that the school be closed and estimates that such action would save the district approximately $300,000 dollars.

Ironically, Don Pedro residents now pay considerably more than that amount in property taxes to the district.