A Conejo Valley Unified School District trustee refused to sign an apology letter to teachers union members and asked for mediation in a case that will now go to litigation.

Trustee Mike Dunn told audience members at Tuesday night's board meeting he resented attacks from United Association of Conejo Teachers leadership, and said he never had an opportunity to defend himself in public.

"Why do they attack me? I think it's because I am the only board member not taking money from them," said Dunn, referring to UACT Executive Director Arleigh Kidd and UACT President Susan Falk.

The battle between Dunn and UACT leaders began more than two years ago after union members complained the trustee violated labor negotiations laws when he e-mailed 500 teachers and asked them which date they would prefer to begin winter break.

In a letter dated Jan. 24, the state Public Employment Relations Board said the district attempted to "bypass, undermine and derogate" UACT's authority when Dunn sent the e-mail on Dec. 21, 2005.

District and UACT officials met almost two weeks ago and agreed on a settlement that would require Dunn to sign a written apology and complete at least three hours of training.

Dunn said his action two years ago was "an innocent mistake" and he told UACT officials he would no longer poll teachers again.

Falk, who attended Tuesday night's meeting, said Dunn's refusal to adhere to the agreement forces UACT to pursue a formal hearing through state Employment Relations Board.

"It is unfortunate he won't take the training and apologize to us," Falk said. "We don't muscle or strong arm anyone but now we will move ahead with the hearing."

In other matters Tuesday, Deputy Superintendent Jeffrey Baarstad presented changes in the district¹s fiscal outlook that reflects Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger¹s revised May budget proposal.

Conejo officials now think they will have to trim $4.5 million in costs next school year, down from initial projections of $8.1 million.

According to revised numbers, the district can cover $2.57 million by transferring funds from the workers¹ compensation fund, eliminating deferred maintenance contributions and eliminating 15 teaching positions.

The board took no action on Tuesday and will go through an itemized list of possible cuts during a study session at 5 p.m. on May 27 at the district office at 1400 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. At that study session, the board will look at ways to cover the remaining $1.9 million shortfall, Baarstad said.

The cuts could include eliminating funding for school sites, the district office and support programs.

Also discussed in Tuesday night meeting was the option of opening a visual and performing arts magnet and a science and technology magnet in the 2009-2010 school year.

The board also plans to reconsider a resolution that failed Tuesday night that would change attendance boundaries and move University School students to two nearby schools.

University School parents who live in the Greenridge community in Thousand Oaks will be polled to see whether they would prefer a choice of two or three schools. District staff will present poll results to the board in the next few weeks.