Decision 1464E – Oakland Unified School District

Severance request denied where while psychologists share a community of interest, record did not support a finding it separate and distinct from that shared with other certificated employees. Though employee dissatisfaction was understandable and arguably warranted, it was not enough to justify a separate unit. Since the Board had established the existing unit through a Board decision, the burden was on Petitioner to show its proposed unit was more appropriate. The Board has consistently held that pupil services classifications such as psychologists and nurses are appropriately included with other certificated employees. While bargaining history must be considered in a severance case, it is but one factor to consider.