She is a victim of the wrong job description—categorical program assistant—who provides administrative and clerical support for various programs within the San Jose Unified School District.

She knows her job requirements like the back of her hand and has more history at the elementary school than many of its staff. But due to possible budget cuts in categorical programs for the 2004­05 school year, she might lose her job to a more senior employee in the district.

Last week, throughout the school district, 94 employees received a letter informing them that their position might be "eliminated."

During her 18 years with the district, Morella knew there was a distinct possibility of getting bumped out of her job, because the seniority structure is well documented within her union—the California School Employees Association. Yet it wasn't the bumping process that upset her, it was the phrasing in the letter she received.

"The wording was a surprise," Morella said. "I think they could have used a better explanation than 'eliminated.'"

To vocalize her disappointment with the letter's content, she stood before the San Jose Unified School District governing board on May 20 and gave an impassioned speech about the district's lack of respect toward its employees, who have given years of service to the school district.

San Jose Unified School District Board President Gary Rummelhoff acknowledged that things could have been handled better. And after listening to a string of district employees vent their displeasure with the letters, he expressed disdain for the impersonal format, which according to the district was crafted by their legal team, and said that the situation is being resolved between the union and the district.

California School Employees Association President Robin Hill confirmed this at the May 20 meeting, saying conversations had already taken place to make sure this type of letter isn't sent to employees in the future.

The letter was a hard pill to swallow for those senior employees who told the district they had chosen to stay in education instead of opting out for more high-paying positions in the private sector. As a whole, those who spoke told the board that future letters should show a greater sense of sensitivity.

But verbiage aside, Morella is still left with an unknown future at Willow Glen Elementary. Beginning June 17, meetings will take place to determine jobs assignments for the upcoming school year. Each person who received a letter will have an appointment with district officials. During the meeting, employees will see a list of vacant positions available.

"I have heard that there are people interested in my position," Morella said. "I take this to mean people who could bump me just may do that. It is rather unsettling to think I could very likely be sitting at the bumping meeting and watching someone take my job. This is a right they have by contract, but still difficult for me to accept."

And it's not just Morella who is still coming to terms with the possible layoff.

Willow Glen Elementary School Principal Dayle D'Anna struggles to find the words to express how saddened she is at the possibility of losing Morella.

"She is such an important person at this school," D'Anna said. "She is the person I go to for the school's history. She has great wisdom, and I trust her implicitly."

D'Anna said she feels superstitious even talking about Morella leaving the school, saying she tries not to give the issue too much credence.

In fact, D'Anna is so supportive of Morella that she, along with eight Willow Glen Elementary teachers, came to stand behind Morella as she gave her speech at the board meeting. Second-grade teacher Janice Allen also spoke to the board, voicing her support for Morella and her importance to the school.

Morella said her union representatives have assured her that the district is working with employees to be sure certain things are done correctly for the large number of people affected by the layoff.