#education

Chicago Teachers Union members are actively protesting a proposed budget that includes nearly 2,000 layoffs and a shortened school year. Speakers at a recent budget hearing overwhelmingly voiced opposition to these cuts, highlighting the negative impact on educators and students. The union is urging county and state officials to provide necessary funding to prevent further reductions. Members who received layoff notices are being advised on their contractual rights and encouraged to organize against the proposed measures. The union is also advocating for a special legislative session to address the state's underfunding of public schools.

Chicago, Illinois

https://www.ctulocal1.org/posts/layoffs-fight-2026/

Governor Maura Healey has proposed legislation to allocate an additional $100 million to local school districts. This funding aims to mitigate teacher layoffs and other budget reductions experienced by many communities. The money will be distributed based on projected student enrollment for the upcoming academic year. Funds are derived from anticipated revenues generated by the state's Millionaires Tax. This proposal requires approval from the state Legislature.

Boston, MA

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/07/15/metro/healey-legislation-provides-100-million-to-massachusetts-schools/

Educators and families are protesting significant funding delays impacting Chicago Public Schools. They highlight a $5 billion state deficit and $400 million in unreleased funds. These delays force schools to take out costly loans, diverting money from essential programs. Protesters demand Chicago Public Schools be included in a bridge loan program and that withheld funds be released. They also call for a special legislative session to prioritize student funding.

Chicago, Illinois

https://chicagodefender.com/as-cps-plans-hundreds-of-layoffs-educators-fight-back/

Bay City Public Schools is considering eliminating two teaching positions. This decision is part of an effort to match staffing levels with student enrollment. The school board will vote on the matter on July 13th. Superintendent Grant Hegenauer stated the move is for financial responsibility. The district aims to protect classroom experience and avoid deficits.

Bay City, MI

https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw-bay-city/2026/07/possible-teacher-layoffs-on-the-agenda-of-bay-city-public-schools-board-meeting.html

Over 400 employees, including many teachers and aides, were initially laid off by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Nearly 130 of these individuals have since been recalled to their positions. This recall process is guided by a union contract that prioritizes laid-off staff for open roles. Despite these recalls, the district anticipates a significant reduction in overall staff for the upcoming school year. The district attributed its ability to rehire staff to creative resource reallocation and public pressure.

Cleveland, Ohio

https://signalcleveland.org/since-layoffs-dozens-of-cleveland-educators-have-been-recalled-to-cmsd/

Dozens of educators who received layoff notices in the spring are being offered their jobs back. The Cleveland Teachers Union confirmed that 31 teachers have been given recall notices. This recall is in addition to other educators previously offered positions. The district and union are continuing discussions about bringing more staff back. Roughly half of the affected union staff will return for the upcoming school year.

Cleveland, Ohio

https://www.ideastream.org/education/2026-07-10/additional-cleveland-school-teachers-recalled-after-spring-layoff-notices

Concerns are rising over reported staff layoffs within the Cuero Independent School District. Community members suspect these reductions may be linked to broader financial challenges facing public schools in Texas. The state's new $1 billion school voucher program is a particular point of discussion, with some questioning its potential impact on district resources. It remains unclear if enrollment shifts or state funding issues are the direct cause of the staffing reductions. Cuero ISD has not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation.

Cuero, Texas

https://www.crossroadstoday.com/news/questions-linger-over-layoffs-in-cuero-isd-amid-funding-concerns/article_aba2cb35-5e24-4176-8e30-afc04596db2a.html

The city of Long Beach will no longer operate a significant after-school program due to budget constraints. This decision impacts hundreds of students and leads to potential layoffs for municipal workers. The school district is seeking a new operator to ensure program continuity. State funding for the program remains secure. City officials cite a need to reallocate limited financial resources to other essential services.

Long Beach, California

https://lbpost.com/news/education/long-beach-wrap-after-school-program-layoffs

Texas universities are launching new bachelor's and master's degree programs in Artificial Intelligence to equip students for a rapidly evolving job market. These programs often combine AI expertise with traditional disciplines like business and engineering. Despite companies slowing hiring due to AI uncertainty, these degrees aim to provide graduates with specialized skills. Universities are responding to industry demand, with Texas leading the nation in AI degree offerings. Graduates hope their practical AI applications will differentiate them in a competitive employment landscape.

Dallas, Texas

https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/texas-universities-offer-ai-degrees-to-boost-value-for-students

The El Paso Independent School District board has approved a final round of staff layoffs before the new school year. These reductions are a direct response to a significant budget crisis the district is currently facing. The terminations affect probationary teachers across various subjects and multiple campuses. District officials maintain that these cuts will not impact class sizes or disproportionately affect specific schools. This decision marks the last round of layoffs anticipated before students return to classes.

El Paso, Texas

https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/el-paso-isd-approves-final-round-of-layoffs-ahead-of-new-school-year-amid-budget-crisis

Central Oregon school districts are implementing significant budget reductions for the 2026-27 school year. These cuts stem from declining enrollment, rising costs, and reduced state and federal funding. Bend-La Pine cut $7 million, Redmond $3.5 million, and Jefferson County $2 million. Despite these large cuts, no staff layoffs occurred across the districts. Positions were eliminated through attrition and staff reassignments, though class sizes may increase.

https://www.centraloregondaily.com/news/local/central-oregon-school-districts-budget-cuts-2026-27/article_642448af-9db5-41c5-93e9-10fde1ffb792.html

North Carolina school districts face significant budget constraints. These financial pressures are leading to layoffs of school counselors. Student needs for mental health and academic support are currently growing. The state's student-to-counselor ratio already exceeds national recommendations. School leaders must prioritize and better utilize these essential professionals.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

https://journalnow.com/opinion/column/article_06dfad94-b519-5c01-a7b0-dc71ff8f0851.html

Boston Public Schools notified hundreds of teachers and classroom aides about potential job losses. Over 500 newer teachers and 102 paraprofessionals received non-renewal notices. These reductions stem from a $53 million budget shortfall and declining enrollment. The School Committee approved a $1.7 billion budget eliminating nearly 570 positions. Layoffs are based on seniority, likely impacting newer educators and teachers of color.

Boston, Massachusetts

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/29/metro/boston-teachers-union-warns-of-job-losses-amid-budget-cuts/

Akron Public Schools reinstated 15 employees. These individuals faced layoffs earlier this year. The school board reappointed them to vacant positions. This move preserves budget savings from their former jobs. The district still plans further significant budget cuts.

Akron, Ohio

https://www.ideastream.org/education/2026-06-25/akron-schools-reinstates-more-than-a-dozen-employees-who-faced-layoffs

Portland Public Schools approved its new budget. The board closed a $50 million budget gap. The budget eliminates 320 staff positions. This total includes 80 teacher roles. The new financial plan begins July 1.

Portland, Oregon

https://www.koin.com/news/portland/pps-board-adopts-new-budget-2026-27-school-year-layoffs/

Jillian Tozer is running for a St. Johns County School Board seat. Her decision followed teacher layoffs at her children's school. Nine teachers were laid off due to budget constraints. Tozer aims to increase teacher pay and curb turnover. She also advocates for expanding VPK and scrutinizing private schools receiving public funds.

St. Johns County, Florida

https://sjcitizen.com/st-johns-county-teacher-layoffs-spur-nocatee-moms-school-board-bid/

Seattle Public Schools faces an $87 million budget shortfall. Superintendent Ben Shuldiner stated that "everything is on the table" to address the deficit. Potential measures include layoffs and school closures. The district plans to reorganize its central office and not fill vacancies. Declining student enrollment also contributes to the financial challenges.

Seattle

https://komonews.com/news/local/seattle-public-schools-last-day-class-sps-superintendent-ben-shuldiner-87m-budget-gap-shortfall-safety-student-enrollment-drop-possible-layoffs

Central Oregon school districts are implementing significant budget cuts for the 2026-27 school year. This is due to shrinking enrollment, rising costs, and reduced state funding. Bend-La Pine cut $7 million, Redmond $3.5 million, and Jefferson County $2 million. Despite these reductions, the districts avoided staff layoffs. They achieved this through attrition and reassigning employees, though class sizes may increase.

https://www.centraloregondaily.com/news/local/central-oregon-school-districts-budget-cuts-2026-27/article_642448af-9db5-41c5-93e9-10fde1ffb792.html

Thousands of public school employees face layoff warnings across the U.S. This wave of job cuts is the largest in over a decade. Districts cite declining enrollment and rising costs as major factors. The expiration of pandemic-era federal aid also contributes to financial strain. Major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas are affected.

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/layoff-warnings-hit-thousands-of-school-employees/2026/06

Portland Public Schools issued layoff notices to approximately 80 teachers. Dozens more educators remain unassigned to specific positions. The district announced cuts of about 300 jobs to address a $50 million budget gap. The Portland Association of Teachers filed a grievance over the layoff process. The union cited a lack of transparency and adherence to their contract.

Portland, Oregon

https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2026/06/after-portland-public-schools-teachers-get-layoff-notices-their-union-files-a-grievance.html

The Connecticut Education Association demands transparency from Stamford Public Schools. Nearly three dozen Stamford educators face involuntary transfers or layoffs. Many transferred teachers lack training for new special education roles. The school system states these adjustments prevent more significant layoffs. Unions urge the Stamford Board of Education to halt these staffing changes.

Stamford, Connecticut

https://longisland.news12.com/do-it-the-right-way-local-state-teachers-unions-call-for-reversal-of-dozens-of-reassignments-layoffs-in-stamford

Single income and Have 2 kids in elementary school going to middle in 2 years. Frisco seems to be best so far based on what I saw in great schools. But commute su-ks. Can you please recommend other areas, somewhat closer to commute. I may have to drop off kids and pick them up as well. So some flexibility there would help.

Fall River Public Schools will lay off 73 educators. Initial non-renewal letters went to 213 employees. Reasons cited include performance and missing state licensing requirements. The district is working to help many educators meet these standards. Special Education teachers and newcomers are most affected by these cuts.

Fall River, Massachusetts

https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/education/2026/06/10/fall-river-schools-issue-213-teacher-layoff-notices-new-licensing-requirements/90476083007/

Gaston County Commissioners unanimously approved $10 million for Gaston County Schools. This funding addresses a shortfall and prevents up to 400 potential layoffs. Superintendent Morgen Houchard had warned of immediate layoffs without the money. The school district previously eliminated 174 positions months ago. An independent financial report indicated inadequate county funding contributed to the district's woes.

Gaston County, North Carolina

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/education/article316047162.html

Workforce Solutions Borderplex is offering job assistance. This help is for educators at El Paso ISD. These educators are facing upcoming layoffs. The organization provides support for those affected. This initiative aims to help them find new employment.

El Paso, Texas

https://cbs4local.com/newsletter-daily/gallery/workforce-solutions-borderplex-offers-job-help-to-el-paso-isd-educators-facing-layoffs

Montgomery County Public Schools faces a budget crunch. This situation could lead to significant changes for the 2026-2027 school year. Some teachers and administrators may face layoffs. Various school programs are also at risk of disappearing. The school district will vote on its final budget on Thursday.

Montgomery County, Maryland

https://www.nbcwashington.com/video/news/local/mcps-votes-on-final-budget-thursday-with-layoffs-and-programs-at-risk/4112452/?amp=1

The York Region District School Board plans to eliminate 249 support staff positions. These cuts include over 200 educational assistants, along with secretarial, IT, and library staff. The board cites a projected 5.1 percent decline in student enrollment for these reductions. However, the Canadian Union of Public Employees blames years of provincial underfunding. Union officials warn these layoffs will negatively impact vulnerable students.

York Region, Ontario

https://www.yorkregion.com/news/union-blames-school-underfunding-for-249-york-region-layoffs/article_62c591c4-effb-5ef3-af9c-45e4aef5f32c.html

Students at two South County schools staged walkouts. Mount Everett Regional School students protested recent teacher layoffs. The Southern Berkshire Regional School District cut over 20 faculty positions. Monument Mountain Regional High School students protested immigration enforcement. Students aimed to make their collective voices heard on these issues.

Sheffield, Massachusetts

https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/southern_berkshires/south-county-walkouts/article_b73a3c47-1195-404c-a143-97cd0a46f6aa.html

Oregon's K-12 schools are experiencing an educational crisis. Districts statewide face declining enrollment, budget deficits, and reduced federal funding. This situation is leading to widespread budget cuts and faculty layoffs. Portland Public Schools plans a $50 million budget reduction impacting 288 faculty members. Gresham-Barlow and Reynolds School District also announced significant staff reductions. These cuts affect various programs, including instructional coaches, tutoring, and arts pathways.

Portland, Oregon

https://psuvanguard.com/oregon-k-12-schools-face-education-funding-cuts/

Belleville High School students protested district budget cuts on Friday morning. Approximately 100 students staged a walkout and rally. The Board of Education decided to lay off 29 staffers. These cuts are intended to address a $3 million deficit. Students expressed concern over losing teachers and mental health services.

Belleville, New Jersey

https://newjersey.news12.com/2026/05/22/belleville-students-protest-budget-cuts-that-will-cost-teachers-jobs/5ShODqheJrQOhTk3VBbv6a

Many Massachusetts school districts are facing budget cuts. These cuts follow recent agreements on new teacher contracts. The contracts included substantial pay raises and benefits for staff. Districts like Boston, Newton, and Marblehead have announced layoffs. Rising costs and state funding limitations also contribute to the shortfalls.

Massachusetts

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/25/metro/teacher-contracts-layoffs-massachusetts-schools/

Superintendent Priya Tahiliani announced upcoming layoffs. These affect Brockton Public Schools. Forty-three teachers union positions will be eliminated. These cuts are for the next school year.

Brockton, MA

https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/news/2026/05/24/brockton-top-stories-bunceys-golf-city-school-layoffs-fatal-crash/90182533007/

The Los Lunas Board of Education approved a $144.57 million budget. This budget covers the upcoming 2026-27 school year. The district managed to avoid any employee layoffs. This occurred despite a decline in student enrollment. Increased state unit value boosted revenue, and salaries will rise 1 percent.

https://www.news-bulletin.com/news/los-lunas-board-of-education-approves-144m-budget-no-layoffs-expected/3046746

Now with Polaris!

Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) announced 410 job cuts last month. This total included 146 teacher layoffs. The district is eliminating four positions from its top 25 highest-paid administrators. These roles include an IT officer, a senior high principal, and two manager positions. CMSD faces financial issues and declining student enrollment.

Cleveland, Ohio

https://fox8.com/news/i-team/i-team-any-top-jobs-cut-in-cleveland-school-layoffs/

The El Paso Independent School District revealed a $52 million budget shortfall. A public school consultant recommends declaring a financial emergency. This crisis could impact both students and staff, including potential layoffs. Declining enrollment and attendance are key factors in the loss of revenue. The district's former CFO resigned shortly after the deficit's true extent was disclosed.

El Paso, Texas

https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/el-paso-isd-faces-52-million-budget-shortfall-layoffs-financial-emergency-possible

The Florida Education Association (FEA), along with other groups, has sued the state Department of Education. They claim Florida's universal school voucher system violates the state constitution. The lawsuit alleges a disparity in oversight between public and private schools receiving taxpayer funds. Nearly $5 billion in state money is allocated for these vouchers, including for homeschooling. Public schools have experienced declining enrollment and budget cuts since universal vouchers began in 2023. The FEA seeks accountability, transparency, and consistent educational standards across all schools.

Florida

https://www.wusf.org/the-florida-roundup/2026-05-18/why-was-florida-sued-over-universal-school-vouchers

Pasadena ISD is considering school consolidations and campus closures. This decision stems from declining student enrollment and financial pressures. The district is reviewing staffing ratios and facility utilization. Staffing reductions will be managed through attrition, not layoffs. McMasters Elementary and Tegeler Community School are involved in preliminary discussions.

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/05/15/pasadena-isd-considering-school-closures-amid-declining-enrollment-budget-pressures/

Florida public schools face widespread closures and staff reductions. Declining enrollment drives these issues across the state. Lower birthrates and high living costs contribute to student loss. State politics, including school vouchers, also impact funding. Many districts are cutting positions and closing campuses.

Florida

http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/education/2026/05/18/florida-public-schools-face-closures-enrollment-dropoff-teacher-shortages-funding-problems/90059571007/

Fairfax County Public Schools faces a $29 million budget deficit. Leaders proposed a plan to close this gap for the next school year. The plan avoids staff layoffs and protects core classroom programs. Cuts include reducing reserves and delaying technology upgrades. Officials warn this solution is temporary and not sustainable long-term.

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/education/fairfax-county-public-schools-29m-in-cuts-to-avoid-layoffs/65-a4b5a70d-48b2-47b3-9f48-e5112c99daea