#education

The Plainfield Board of Education approved a reduction in force. This decision will result in the layoff of nearly 60 employees. The district cited decreased student enrollment and budgetary reasons. A 0% tax levy increase was also approved by the board. Union leaders and staff voiced strong concerns about the layoffs.

Plainfield, NJ

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/plainfield/sections/education/articles/plainfield-boe-approves-reduction-in-force-as-union-leaders-staff-speak-out

Ely School District will implement a four-day school week. The school board unanimously approved this change. It will begin in the upcoming fall semester. The district expects to save approximately $200,000 annually. This decision addresses ongoing financial challenges and declining enrollment.

https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/four-day-school-week-coming-to-northern-minnesota-school-district

Cherry Creek School District announced over 150 full-time positions will be cut. Community members and staff voiced disappointment at a recent board meeting. These budget reductions primarily impact the Department of Special Populations. Assistant Superintendent Tony Poole will retire in June while on paid leave. He will receive a payout exceeding $200,000 in salary and accumulated leave.

Aurora, Colorado

https://www.denver7.com/news/investigations/outrage-in-cherry-creek-schools-amid-layoffs-while-assistant-superintendent-is-paid-out-more-than-200k

Grand Rapids Public Schools is considering displacing up to 47 teacher positions. This action is planned for the 2026-27 school year. The district aims to align staffing with declining student enrollment. Officials hope to eliminate open vacancies rather than lay off current employees. Teachers may need to transition to different school buildings.

Grand Rapids, MI

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2026/04/grps-weighs-displacing-nearly-50-teachers-citing-declining-enrollment.html

Several Central New York school districts are proposing teacher and staff layoffs. Liverpool, Jamesville-DeWitt, and Fulton City districts plan job reductions. Liverpool Central School District proposes cutting 78 full-time positions. Jamesville-DeWitt expects to cut 35 positions to close a budget gap. Fulton City School District is looking to cut 54 positions due to a $5 million shortfall.

Syracuse, N.Y.

https://www.syracuse.com/schools/2026/04/in-addition-to-liverpool-two-other-cny-school-districts-are-facing-layoffs.html

Sarasota County Schools district faces a significant budget deficit. This deficit will result in 180 first-year teachers and support staff losing their jobs. Florida ranks 50th nationally for average teacher pay and near the bottom for per-student funding. Increased state voucher funding diverts money from public school budgets. Declining enrollment, partly due to students leaving for private schools, exacerbates the financial issues.

Sarasota, Florida

https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2026/04/15/sarasota-schools-teachers/89611645007/

Lorain City Schools is experiencing a significant financial crisis. The district faces a nearly $17 million annual budget shortfall. This deficit has resulted in over 100 teacher layoffs. Funding reductions from federal, state, and local sources are cited as the cause. Voters will decide on an operating levy in May to help stabilize the district's finances.

Lorain, Ohio

https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/education/education-station/lorain-city-schools-100-teacher-layoffs-17-million-funding-cuts-federal-state-local-education-association/95-19da7a4d-dfa5-47cd-8061-c09e50941146

Students from Campus International School initiated a walkout. They were protesting recent staff layoffs. The Cleveland Metropolitan School District made the layoff decision. A total of 410 staffers were affected. The students demonstrated their opposition to these cuts.

Cleveland

https://www.wkyc.com/video/news/education/students-at-clevelands-campus-international-school-walk-out-in-protest-of-cmsd-layoffs/95-321a8c13-1622-42fd-9453-ea9365ff4eec

A report reveals Los Angeles Unified School District contract commitments. Hundreds of millions went to private equity or venture capital-backed companies. This happened while LAUSD projected a deficit and issued layoff notices. Over 86% of new digital instruction contracts were with these private firms. The spending raises concerns about public education funds diverting to private investors.

Los Angeles, California

https://pestakeholder.org/news/as-layoffs-loom-86-of-lausd-digital-instruction-contracts-committed-to-private-equity-venture-capital-backed-companies/

The Eugene 4J school district faces an estimated $50 million budget shortfall. Superintendent Miriam Mickelson outlined plans to address this deficit. Proposed solutions include selling property and transferring funds from maintenance. The district expects significant layoffs and school closures. Declining enrollment and rising costs contribute to the financial pressure.

Eugene, Oregon

https://kval.com/news/local/superintendent-outlines-one-time-fixes-warns-of-layoffs-amid-eugene-4j-shortfall

Cleveland Metropolitan School District faces scrutiny over spending decisions. The district is preparing to announce significant layoffs and school closures. CMSD recently signed a $21,000 contract for outside transportation management. It is also hiring a new Director of Career Readiness for up to $116,000. This spending occurs despite impending staff reductions and a recent tax increase.

Cleveland, Ohio

https://fox8.com/news/i-team/looking-into-cmsd-spending-in-midst-of-teacher-layoffs-i-team/

Austin ISD leaders propose teacher layoffs and cuts to academic programs. These measures address a projected $49 million budget deficit. The deficit could reach $181 million without action. Previous cost-saving efforts included closing ten school campuses. Board members will vote on the proposed budget in June.

Austin, Texas

https://austincurrent.org/2026/04/07/aisd-cut-teachers-budget-deficit/

New Jersey school districts face significant financial challenges. Many districts propose layoffs, tax increases, and program cuts. Ocean Gate School District will close its only school. These issues stem from revised state funding and rising operational costs. Health care and special education expenses contribute to budget shortfalls.

, New Jersey

https://www.nj.com/education/2026/04/these-11-nj-school-districts-are-facing-layoffs-tax-hikes-and-closures-to-stay-afloat.html

Milwaukee Public Schools announced job cuts affecting 201 employees. These layoffs are part of a plan to close a $46 million budget gap. The teachers union and parent groups are demanding the district reverse these cuts. They also call for pausing the budgeting process for increased community input. District officials maintain the budget timeline is legally required and does not include classroom teachers.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2026/04/08/criticism-mounts-against-milwaukee-public-schools-plan-to-cut-staff/89500469007/

The Farmington School District faces a $330,000 budget deficit. The Department of Revenue Administration ordered the district to address this shortfall. The school board considers layoffs as a last resort after other expense reductions. A $30 million state SchoolCare program shortfall contributed to the district's payment. The Farmington Teachers Association plans to challenge any staff reductions.

Farmington, NH

https://www.wmur.com/article/farmington-nh-school-board-layoffs-budget-deficit/70291617

The Concord School District faces an $18 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2027. Salary and benefit increases, along with rising debt, contribute to this shortfall. State aid has significantly dropped due to increased property values and declining student enrollment. The district has approved $6.8 million in non-personnel reductions. Officials are now considering potential staff layoffs to balance the budget.

Concord, NH

https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/concord-schools-eye-cuts-layoffs-salary-increases-hit-budget-soaring

The Liverpool School Board met to discuss a budget with 78 job reductions. The district faces a $13 million budget gap. Superintendent Richard Chapman presented the budget to board members. Board members expressed concerns about the impact on student education. The board postponed the budget adoption decision until April 20.

Liverpool, New York

https://www.informnny.com/news/state-news/i-just-dont-support-that-liverpool-school-board-members-go-back-and-forth-with-superintendent-over-layoffs-and-cuts/

A new Georgia bill, SB 33, seeks to lower homeowner property taxes. This legislation restricts the growth of residential property values for tax calculations. School officials warn this could significantly reduce school district budgets. Many districts are already near their constitutional 20-mill tax rate cap. This could lead to teacher layoffs in some districts within a few years.

Atlanta, Georgia

https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/education/2026/04/07/georgia-property-tax-bill-may-impact-schools/89496729007/

Several Santa Cruz County school districts approved significant layoffs this year. These cuts aim to maintain long-term financial stability. Declining enrollment and reduced state and federal funding caused these measures. Pajaro Valley Unified, Soquel Union Elementary, Live Oak, and Scotts Valley Unified districts implemented reductions. Santa Cruz City Schools also approved layoffs for support positions.

https://lookouexample.com/the-santa-cruz-county-school-districts-that-approved-layoffs-this-year/story

Nevada school districts are facing severe budget deficits despite a recent funding increase. Increased costs, flat state funding, and declining student enrollment contribute to the problem. Policy changes in the new funding formula also create financial challenges. Districts like Washoe and Douglas County are reducing positions and considering school closures. State officials are urged to increase education revenue to prevent further insolvencies.

https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/nevada-school-budget-heyday-was-short-lived-why-several-districts-are-now-in-dire-straits

The Upper Grand District School Board issued 100 layoff notices. These notices affect elementary teachers and early childhood educators. The action stems from a projected two percent enrollment drop. This decline means 561 fewer students by September 2026. The board hopes to recall many staff members later this year.

https://www.elorafergustoday.com/local-news/must-read-ugdsb-issues-100-layoff-notices-to-elementary-teachers-eces-12095110

John Adams Academy announced layoffs for 68 employees across three campuses. This action followed the closure of its Lincoln high school program. The school cited low enrollment and ongoing budget deficits for the closure. Positions were eliminated at the Lincoln, Roseville, and El Dorado Hills locations. Most affected employees will conclude their work on May 29.

https://www.sacbee.com/community/roseville-placer/article315291894.html

The Salem-Keizer School District announced plans to eliminate 130 positions for the 2026-27 school year. This decision stems from declining student enrollment and a need to cut $23 million from the budget. Approximately 60 teacher jobs and 60 classified employee positions will be cut from schools. Most affected employees will be reassigned or replaced by retiring staff. Up to five classified employees could face layoffs. These reductions aim to avoid widespread disruptions seen in previous budget cuts.

Salem, Oregon

https://www.salemreporter.com/2026/04/02/as-enrollment-declines-salem-keizer-schools-will-cut-130-jobs-largely-without-layoffs/

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District is preparing for a year of significant transition. The district faces ongoing budget challenges and rising operating costs. These financial difficulties will result in layoffs for some district staff. Central office, teaching, and other school-based employees are expected to be impacted. CMSD projects a nearly $50 million deficit by 2029.

Cleveland, Ohio

https://signalcleveland.org/cmsd-leaders-offer-updates-on-the-plans-for-school-mergers/

Poudre School District avoided layoffs for teachers on continuing contracts. The district placed all such teachers in new positions for the 2026-27 school year. This action eliminated a previously authorized reduction-in-force process. Many probationary teacher positions were still eliminated due to budget cuts. The district faces an anticipated budget deficit of at least $8 million.

Fort Collins, Colorado

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/education/2026/03/31/poudre-school-district-places-all-teachers-on-continuing-contracts-for-2026-27-avoiding-layoffs/89397201007/

Portland Public Schools agreed to implement furlough days. This action prevents mid-year staff layoffs for teachers. Students will experience three fewer school days this year. At least three other Oregon districts also approved staff furloughs. These measures address significant budget shortfalls statewide.

Portland, Oregon

https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/30/portland-public-schools-furlough-days/

California public schools face significant financial struggles. Districts across the state, including the Bay Area, are struggling to stay afloat. Santa Rosa’s school district may lay off hundreds of teachers. It is also considering closing a quarter of its campuses. Oakland schools also face potential financial insolvency.

Santa Rosa, California

https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101913422/campus-closures-and-teacher-layoffs-bay-area-public-schools-in-crisis

Lexington community members protested potential educator layoffs on Monday. The school district plans to eliminate about 60 full-time positions. 160 educators received pink slips regarding these reductions. A $4 million funding gap is cited due to decreased enrollment and increased costs. Town officials will vote on the budget at a later date.

Lexington, Massachusetts

https://whdh.com/news/lexington-school-community-protests-proposed-layoffs/

Mohawk College eliminated 72 positions in recent months. This included 62 full-time roles and 10 vacant positions. The cuts were part of a restructuring process. Fifty-seven employees also took voluntary exit packages. Overall, about 580 positions have been cut since late 2024.

Hamilton, Ontario

https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/mohawk-college-layoffs/article_8c844ab5-e919-50e0-862e-8ccfbf3b8232.html

KIPP St. Louis charter schools will lay off an unknown number of staff members. These reductions are planned for after the current academic year. The organization currently employs about 350 people across six schools. KIPP St. Louis faces an operating deficit of approximately $3 million. Enrollment has also declined by 700 students since 2021.

St. Louis, Missouri

https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/article_0968a30e-ef62-4086-ab00-2d28f594ff23.html

The Madison K-12 School District Board introduced its annual budget. This budget proposes an annual tax increase for homeowners. Interim Superintendent Bruce Watson announced staff reductions are required. Fewer than ten positions will be eliminated to balance the budget. Rising health care costs significantly contribute to the district's financial difficulties.

https://www.newjerseyhills.com/madison_eagle/news/madison-school-board-proposes-tax-increase-as-layoffs-loom/article_e8ab830f-2478-43dd-b807-7c81eb3fb682.html

Redlands Unified School District issued preliminary layoff notices to 60 employees. This action is part of ongoing budget reductions. The affected staff include teachers, support staff, and administrators. Many positions are student-facing, such as counselors and nurses. Final decisions on these layoffs are expected in May.

https://www.communityforwardredlands.com/redlands-unified-issues-layoff-notices-to-60-employees/

The North Thurston Public Schools board approved a resolution for a potential reduction in force. This action follows a projected dip in student enrollment for the next school year. Superintendent Troy Oliver cited lower kindergarten counts and rising operational costs. The district also anticipates difficult state K-12 funding decisions. Cuts will initially target attrition, with staff notifications by May 15 if needed.

Olympia, Washington

https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article315175127.html

Gaston County Commissioners approved a $10 million transfer to Gaston County Schools. This funding aims to prevent 400 potential layoffs within the school district. Superintendent Morgen Houchard stated the district faced a $10 million budget shortfall. Factors included reduced state funds, inflation, and lost federal pandemic relief. Commissioners expressed frustration but deemed the funding necessary to support schools.

https://www.wunc.org/2026-03-25/gaston-county-gives-schools-10-million-to-prevent-layoffs

The Plumas County Office of Education (PCOE) reviewed its second interim financial report. Teachers and librarians attended the meeting to discuss potential layoffs at Plumas Unified School District (PUSD). PCOE officials stated they cannot directly fund PUSD layoffs. However, PCOE could provide a temporary transfer loan to PUSD. One board member voted against approving the report due to ongoing layoff concerns.

Quincy, California

https://www.sierradailynews.com/local/plumas-county-education-officials-review-second-interim-financial-reports-amid-layoff-concerns/

Wayne Township Public Schools avoided layoffs for the 2026-27 school year. The tentative budget totals over $211 million, exceeding $200 million for the first time. However, the district faces significant financial pressures from increasing health benefit costs. Out-of-district tuition and specialized support services also contribute to rising expenses. Local property taxes are projected to increase by approximately $296 annually per average home.

Wayne, New Jersey

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/wayne/sections/education/articles/wayne-schools-avoid-layoffs-in-2026-27-tentative-budget-but-financial-pressures-remain

The Kittery School Committee is weighing potential job cuts across its three schools, including teaching, paraprofessional, and special education roles. The proposed eliminations are being considered as part of a budget plan totaling just under $24 million for the 2026–27 school year.

https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2026/03/19/kittery-schools-job-cuts/89211762007/?gca-cat=p&gnt-cfr=1

this video is educational to understand work culture in India, eye opening - painful and sad while brutaully honest.

https://youtu.be/QYAjlDhwrD8

Gustine Unified School District trustees approved layoffs. Seven expanded learning program positions were eliminated. These include five paraprofessional and two leader roles. The district has faced declining enrollment since 2020-21. Other California school districts also face similar staff reductions.

Gustine, California

https://www.westsideconnect.com/news/education/gusd-authorizes-layoffs-of-seven-elop-positions/

Cherry Hill schools face a projected $14.5 million budget deficit. This financial gap is for the 2026-27 school year. A 3% decrease in state funding is a contributing factor. Increased expenses for healthcare, transport, and special education also contribute. The district plans property tax hikes, program reductions, and staff layoffs.

Cherry Hill, New Jersey

https://www.inquirer.com/education/cherry-hill-budget-new-jersey-school-funding-20260320.html