Paradise Unified moves forward with staff layoffs, new construction Paradise Unified School District Superintendent Tom Taylor says there were about 18 layoffs approved at Tuesday's school board meeting. He also provided details about the construction at the old Ponderosa Elementary campus. Posted: Jan 21, 2021 5:22 PM Updated: Jan 21, 2021 5:52 PM Posted By: Kristian Lopez Superintendent Tom Taylor says there were about 18 layoffs approved at Tuesday's school board meeting. The board laid off four teachers it hired during the pandemic and knew the job would be temporary, 4 others were planning to retire or resign. Action News Now asked Superintendent Tom Taylor what factors determine who will be laid off.