Important Information for Laid Off Teachers & Paras
2013 Guide to Certificated Layoffs – Updated March, 2013. Information about layoff hearings, preparing for hearings, and obtaining an emergency CLAD Certificate.
2013 Layoffs FAQ for Certificated Members - Updated March, 2013. Information about applying for unemployment, rehire rights, and healthcare.
2013 Layoffs FAQ for Classified Members – Information about applying for unemployment, rehire rights, and healthcare.
Remember to retain copies of all forms and documents for your records.
Check back soon for further updates.
SFUSD Job Openings: Certificated | Classified
File for Unemployment
UESF Senior Staff Representative Eric Hall encourages all teachers and paras who have been laid off to immediately file for unemployment benefits. The easiest way to do this is to go to the Employment Development Department website at www.edd.ca.gov. If laid off people are denied benefits, they should immediately file an appeal, listing Eric Hall as their agent and UESF’s Local number (61), and address (2310 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94133).
Healthcare Coverage
Laid off teachers and paras will also have a decision to make about health benefits. For those who were covered, SFUSD is likely to terminate health benefits as early as June 30, 2010. UESF members should be able to continue coverage through the COBRA program for a period of eighteen months, though that coverage is very expensive. Kaiser, the cheapest health plan, has monthly COBRA rates of $515 for individuals, $1029 for individuals plus one, and $1456 for individuals plus two or more. For more information, go to www.myhss.org/benefits/cobra.html.
Another option to consider is Healthy San Francisco, which provides lower-cost medical coverage for most adults who live in San Francisco. To determine eligibility go to www.healthysanfrancisco.org. For information about health care for children, go to www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov. UESF members may also be eligible for Medi-Cal.
Resources Available Through the Workforce Investment Act
The city of San Francisco also offers a variety of services for those who have received a layoff notice, including help with personal finances, enrollment in the Workforce Investment Act programs, One Stop Career Centers, and help determining eligibility for food stamps and welfare. For more information about these and other programs, go to www.oewd.org/Workforce-Development-For-Job-Seekers.aspx.
Rehire Rights & Substitute Teaching
Laid off teachers are entitled to the first available open job for which they are qualified in seniority order, up to 24 months for probationary teachers and 39 months for those with tenure. As a result of a recent court decision, paraprofessionals are also entitled to be recalled into any position for which they meet the job description qualifications, including non-paraprofessional positions, for 24 months post layoff. For positions that require an interview, laid off teachers must actively apply for the job. For a link to SFUSD job openings that is updated daily click on one of the following: Certificated | Classified.
Remember to keep records for all positions to which you apply. Laid off teachers can also apply for substitute teaching positions, which they have first rights to. Those who work 21 or more shifts as a substitute, will thereafter be paid their normal daily pay rate.
Any laid off teacher or para who has further questions should contact Eric Hall by email at ehall [at] uesf [dot] org, by fax at 956-8374, or by sending a letter to the UESF office.