#education

Bay Area school districts face significant budget deficits. Many districts are announcing layoffs and school closures. This occurs despite record state education funding increases. Declining student enrollment is the primary cause of these financial pressures. State funding is based on average daily attendance, reducing district revenue.

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/03/19/bay-area-school-cuts-layoffs-closures/amp/

The Oakland Unified School District plans staff reductions. The district currently faces high staff vacancies. Oakland educators and community allies oppose these cuts. The groups demand OUSD halt all staffing reductions. The district must invest in students and staff stability.

Oakland, CA

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/stop-the-cuts-in-oakland-schools-invest-in-students-not-layoffs

Brookline school officials warn of significant cuts. Over 200 positions could be eliminated. This would occur if voters reject a property-tax override. The district needs $18.5 million over three years. Cuts could impact programs, class sizes, and after-school fees.

Brookline, Massachusetts

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2026/03/14/brookline-schools-would-see-more-than-200-layoffs-if-override-fails-officials-say/

Marion City Schools faces a multi-million dollar budget deficit. The district plans $5.5 million to $6 million in staff reductions. Program changes are also part of the plan. Superintendent Brian Murphy hopes attrition will cover most reductions. This includes retirements or resignations.

https://www.marionstar.com/story/news/education/2026/03/13/marion-city-schools-faces-budget-deficit-and-layoffs-education-spending-staff/89136686007/

The Peel District School Board issued layoff notices. More than 300 teachers received these notices for next September. Declining student enrollment is the primary reason for the cuts. The board's student population has decreased by nearly 10,000 in eight years. An Ontario Education Minister recently appointed a supervisor to the board.

Mississauga, Ontario

https://www.insauga.com/300-layoff-notices-given-to-teachers-in-mississauga-brampton-caledon/

The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board approved 50 staff layoffs. This decision stems from declining student enrollment. The district anticipates an $18.3 million funding loss next year. Affected roles include teachers, specialists, and instructional coaches. Most positions will end after the current academic year on May 22.

Mesa, Arizona

https://www.themesatribune.com/news/mesa-school-board-approves-staff-layoffs/article_e2a01320-d8c1-4837-aa6e-ea13be72364b.html

Lake Worth ISD Superintendent Mark Ramirez resigned. District trustees also approved staff layoffs. These cuts are part of a campus restructuring plan. The changes focus on Miller Language Academy. This follows state intervention for poor academic performance.

https://fortworthreport.org/2026/03/10/lake-worth-schools-superintendent-ramirez-resigns-trustees-approve-layoffs/

What's going on here? The number of potential layoffs keeps growing. Is there really no other way to deal with this?

The Coachella Valley Unified School District board approved new employee layoffs. This decision will eliminate more than 80 positions. The plan targets $25.4 million in budget reductions. This ensures financial solvency over three years. These reductions affect both teaching and non-teaching staff.

https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/education/2026/03/06/cvusd-board-layoffs-deficit-coachella-valley-unified/88989664007/

Six non-teaching employees in Upland schools received layoff notices. The Upland Unified School District board voted unanimously on February 24. This action is a contingency for budget planning. The layoffs are due to a lack of funds or work. Affected positions include a secretary, maintenance worker, groundskeeper, custodian, and IT technician.

Upland, California

https://www.dailybulletin.com/2026/03/07/6-layoff-notices-okd-in-upland-schools/

Superintendent Mary Skipper presented a $1.71 billion budget for BPS. The district plans to eliminate 300 to 400 staff positions. This includes over 200 teachers and 100 support staff. Rising costs and declining student enrollment are factors. The School Committee will vote on the budget March 25.

https://baystatebanner.com/2026/03/05/boston-teacher-layoffs-likely-as-bps-outlines-next-years-budget/

Poway Unified School District trustees approved staff changes on February 26. Two employees received layoff notices. Seven certificated and three classified staff members were reassigned. Early retirement incentives were also approved. These measures address budget cuts and declining student enrollment.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/03/01/poway-unified-trustees-approve-two-layoff-notices-and-offer-early-retirement-incentives/

The San Marcos Unified School District board considered staff reductions. The district faces a $10 to $11 million budget deficit next year. A proposal to reduce elementary school librarians' hours was blocked. However, layoff notices were approved for about 17 teachers, social workers, and counselors. District leaders anticipate further cuts in the coming years due to declining enrollment and rising costs.

https://www.kpbs.org/news/education/2026/02/27/san-marcos-school-board-considers-layoffs-amid-falling-enrollment-higher-costs

New Jersey City University will lay off employees. This action precedes its merger with Kean University this summer. A local news site reported at least 151 employees, including professors, are impacted. The university faces a projected $25 million budget gap. Voluntary buyouts are also being offered to staff.

https://www.nj.com/education/2026/02/nj-university-will-lay-off-151-employees-ahead-of-massive-merger-report-says.html

The Alvord Unified School District Board approved layoffs for up to 123 employees. This decision was made on February 12 to reduce spending. The district cited a steady decline in student enrollment over the past decade. Up to 101 teacher positions and 22 classified positions will be cut. These actions aim to ensure long-term financial stability for the district.

https://riversiderecord.org/alvord-unified-approves-layoffs-citing-decreased-enrollment-budget-instability/

The WCCUSD school board approved significant job and program cuts. These reductions aim to address the district's $127.2 million deficit. Approximately 300 full-time equivalent positions are affected. Positions include teachers, administrators, groundskeepers, and the JROTC program. The cuts are projected to save $87 million for the district.

https://richmondside.org/2026/02/27/wccusd-school-board-approves-hundreds-of-job-cuts/

The Santa Clara Unified Board of Trustees unanimously approved staff layoffs. This decision impacts 11 temporary certificated staff, 36 classified employees, and 70 certificated employees. The certificated layoffs include 51 classroom teaching positions. Superintendent Dr. Damon Wright cited fiscal responsibility for the reductions. Affected employees will receive notification by March 15.

https://www.svvoice.com/santa-clara-unified-layoffs-pass-unanimously/

Portland Public Schools faces a $10 million budget shortfall this academic year. District leaders are exploring options including staff layoffs or employee furlough days. The teachers' union president reported proposals for two furlough days or 170 position eliminations. A district spokesperson stated no definitive decisions have been made yet. Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong confirmed personnel actions are likely needed to close the gap by June 30.

https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2026/02/layoffs-furlough-days-are-potential-options-to-plug-portland-public-schools-10-million-midyear-budget-gap.html

Pasadena Unified's school board unanimously approved a plan. This plan finalizes layoffs for over 160 staff members. The district faces a $30 million budget deficit. These job reductions are necessary to balance the budget. Layoff notices will be sent to affected staff by mid-March.

https://laist.com/news/education/pasadena-unified-board-approves-layoffs

Alum Rock district leaders are considering significant staff reductions. Up to 38 employees could face layoffs. This includes positions like school liaisons. The district faces an $8 million budget deficit. Declining enrollment and lost grant funding caused the shortfall.
San Jose, California

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/alum-rock-school-district-staff-layoffs/4043494/

The Anchorage School Board approved significant budget reductions. This plan includes over 500 staff cuts, with more than 300 teachers affected. Three elementary schools will also close: Fire Lake, Lake Otis, and Campbell STEM. These measures address a $90 million budget deficit. Funding from closures helped preserve many sports programs and some nurse positions.

https://alaskapublic.org/news/education/2026-02-24/anchorage-school-board-approves-severe-budget-with-hundreds-of-staff-layoffs-and-3-school-closures

Poudre School District's Board of Education will vote on authorizing teacher layoffs. This vote is scheduled for the 2026-27 school year. The district faces a potential budget cut of up to $17 million. Declining enrollment and reduced state funding cause this shortfall. Authorization allows the district to provide advance notice to affected employees.

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/education/2026/02/22/poudre-school-district-board-of-education-to-vote-on-teacher-layoffs-for-2026-27-school-year/88786496007/

The Ventura Unified School District board approved staff reductions. This impacts 46.5 full-time equivalent positions. The decision addresses a budget crisis and declining student enrollment. The district anticipates annual savings exceeding $3 million. Negotiations also include proposed changes to employee health benefits.

https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/education/schoolwatch/2026/02/20/ventura-unified-approves-layoffs-budget-crisis/88747877007/

• More than 3,200 LAUSD employees would receive layoff notices under a proposal to be considered by the school board.
• The actual number lost is expected to be lower, but state law and union trigger notifications will cover all possible cutback scenarios.
• The pending decision has prompted criticism from union leaders.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-02-16/lausd-considers-sending-3200-notices-of-possible-layoffs

Mo--ngo Unified School District (MUSD) Board of Trustees met recently. Union representatives voiced concerns regarding budget and staffing decisions. The California School Employees Association (CSEA) protested the layoff of five health techs. Mo--ngo Teachers Association (MTA) advocated for fair teacher compensation and smaller class sizes. Despite these concerns, the Board unanimously approved the CSEA/MUSD tentative agreement.

https://z1077fm.com/teacher-associations-give-strong-arguments-for-smaller-class-sizes-and-against-staff-layoffs-musd-board-approves-tentative-agreement/

Springfield Public Schools laid off 27 teachers. These mid-year layoffs occurred in January 2026. The cuts resulted from a new union contract. This contract included a retroactive 4% pay increase. Teachers and students faced significant grief and uncertainty.

https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/education/2026/02/16/what-the-heck-just-happened-springfield-teachers-navigate-uncertainty-grief-in-midyear-layoffs/

The Los Angeles Unified School District has unveiled key elements of a $1.4 billion “fiscal stabilization plan” that also involves a reduction in force, which could mean job transfers or layoffs.

https://laist.com/brief/news/education/lausd-reduction-in-force-board-layoffs-plan-2026

• The Jefferson County Board of Education approved central office restructuring in a 5-2 vote Feb. 13
• Superintendent Brian Yearwood’s plan aims to address a $188 million deficit and cut about $43 million from the central office
• The vote eliminates 648 positions, creates 254 positions and reclassifies 19 positions, with some roles centralized across the district
• The board expects further budget actions in March and plans to adopt a tentative budget in May

https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/lexington/news/2026/02/14/jcps--board-approves-classroom-cuts--central-office-restructuring

Layoff notices will go to more than eight teachers and 24 other employees — including 12 instructional aides and eight counseling department staff members — in the Riverside school district.

https://www.pressenterprise.com/2026/02/13/riverside-schools-ok-more-than-30-layoffs-notices-for-next-school-year/

Santa Clara Unified School District is moving forward with layoff plans to address a $30 million structural deficit. Superintendent Dr. Damon Wright presented the "rightsizing" plan to the Board of Trustees. The district faces declining enrollment and increased staffing levels since 2017. Initial layoff notices are expected to be distributed by March 15. The plan includes cutting 113.3 certificated, 40 classified, and 15 management full-time equivalent positions.

https://www.svvoice.com/santa-clara-unified-heartbreaking-layoffs-move-forward/

Sacramento City Unified School District's board approved motions for workforce reductions. These actions could affect 423 preschool and classified roles. The district is addressing a $113 million budget shortfall. Preliminary layoff notices are expected in March, with final decisions in May. Of the affected positions, 121 are currently unfilled.

https://www.kcra.com/article/sacramento-city-unified-school-district-layoffs/70347727

The Manchester School District faces a challenging budget season. Superintendent Jennifer Chmiel presented five scenarios for $15 million in cuts. These plans involve layoffs, affecting 42 to 113 positions. The cuts are necessary if the tax cap compliant budget is approved. The Board of School Committee will vote on budget proposals.

https://manchester.inklink.news/school-superintendent-expects-layoffs-if-aldermen-do-not-pass-baseline-budget/

Students and staff at The College of Wooster say they're worried about the trajectory of the institution following the announcement it was laying off 22 staff last week.

https://www.ideastream.org/education/2026-02-12/students-and-faculty-express-concern-about-layoffs-at-the-college-of-wooster

Poudre School District faces potential budget cuts up to $17 million. Declining student enrollment and inflation contribute to the financial shortfall. The district's Board of Education is considering teacher layoffs. A formal vote on a "reduction in force" process is set for February 24. The district views this as a preliminary measure.

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/education/2026/02/11/poudre-school-district-seeks-school-boards-ok-to-begin-reduction-in-force-process/88631679007/

The College of Wooster is reducing its staff due to financial pressures. Twenty-two positions were eliminated, including 18 full-time and four part-time roles. These cuts primarily affected administrative and non-student-facing departments. The college cited declining student enrollment and lower birth rates as key reasons. Enrollment has decreased from over 2,000 students in 2011 to more than 1,600 currently.

https://www.ideastream.org/education/2026-02-09/the-college-of-wooster-lays-off-staff-as-it-adjusts-to-a-smaller-student-body

Robbinsville School District seeks voter approval for a $5 million tax increase. A special election is scheduled for March 10. Without approval, the district faces a $2.2 million shortfall in 2026-27. This could lead to over 30 staff layoffs and cuts to sports and clubs. Declining state aid and rising costs contribute to the budget deficit.

https://www.nj.com/education/2026/02/nj-school-district-may-cut-sports-slash-30-jobs-if-voters-dont-approve-tax-hike.html

Jefferson County Public Schools has not yet identified the 300 central-office jobs being eliminated. These specific details are expected to be revealed at Tuesday's school board meeting. Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood previously directed department chiefs to reduce their staff budgets by 50%. This measure is projected to save the district approximately $44 million. Board members have requested clarification on whether these cuts involve actual positions or existing vacancies.

https://www.wdrb.com/news/education/jcps-still-hasn-t-identified-the-300-central-office-job-cuts-details-expected-tuesday/article_23350a00-7322-419c-a033-98d4c6084ba3.html

The Chandler Unified School District has finalized its staff reduction plan, saving some librarian jobs that caused an uproar in the community, but at the expense of five more teaching positions.

https://www.chandlernews.com/santan/news/teachers-assail-chandler-unified-layoff-plan/article_891ef6fe-c698-4da3-acf1-4fd613830991.html

The Arizona Schools for the Deaf and the Blind board voted to move its Tucson campus. The campus will relocate to Oro Valley next school year. The board also approved laying off approximately 70 staff members. Superintendent Annette Reichman cited funding shortfalls and declining enrollment as reasons. Many families and teachers expressed strong opposition to these decisions.

https://azluminaria.org/2026/02/05/this-action-will-gut-this-agency-asdb-board-votes-to-move-tucson-campus-to-oro-valley-lay-off-70-staff/

Idaho State University is cutting about 45 positions across its workforce and consolidating two colleges, East Idaho News reports.

https://www.idahoednews.org/news/idaho-state-to-cut-positions-consolidate-colleges/