#budgetcuts

The Fayette County Public Schools board approved a tentative budget and a $95 million loan. This decision followed the firing of 120 FCPS employees. Many community members attended the meeting to voice frustrations. The district needs the loan to meet payroll by July. Financial misstatements dating back to 2008 contributed to the current budget deficit.

Fayette County

https://www.wuky.org/wuky-news/2026-05-28/divisions-deepen-as-community-members-balk-at-fayette-school-layoffs-while-the-board-oks-loan-and-working-budget

Somerville's Mayor Jake Wilson announced staff reductions. The city cut thirteen active employee positions. Sixteen vacant roles were also eliminated from the budget. This action addresses a projected $5.4 million budget deficit. Impacted staff will receive paid leave and human resources support.

Somerville, MA

https://patch.com/massachusetts/somerville/somerville-announces-large-scale-layoffs-city-hall

But the financial picture leaders painted just two months later was far less rosy. The university is facing its second multimillion-dollar deficit in two years and layoffs are the only way out, President Aminta Breaux said. Expenses are rising, and the pool of prospective students is shrinking. Bowie State saw the largest single-year drop in enrollment in the University System of Maryland last year, losing 6% of its roughly 6,000 students.

https://www.thebanner.com/education/higher-education/bowie-state-university-layoffs-HKIF23KBNFFIBIMWQOQ2JMIJMA/

Washington State University will cut its budget by almost $12 million. The largest portion, over $8 million, targets campuses. WSU Everett faces a 10% cut, and WSU Vancouver a 15% cut. Position reductions are expected at affected campuses. Academic colleges and the Graduate School also received budget reductions.

Washington

https://dailyevergreen.com/197165/news/admin/wsu-to-trim-nearly-12-million-from-university-budget-warns-of-layoffs-at-satellite-campuses/

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 public universities are implementing significant budget cuts. These actions include hiring freezes, layoffs, and structural changes. Universities face declining enrollment, reduced state funding, and rising costs. Several institutions, including the University of Oregon and Portland State, announced staff reductions. Oakland City University suspended all undergraduate programs and laid off 167 employees.

https://universitybusiness.com/cuts-and-hiring-freezes-spread-as-spring-semester-closes/

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/

The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office announced 33 layoffs in early March. These cuts primarily impacted the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The office cited budget constraints as the reason, aiming to save $3 million. Local police chiefs are concerned about reduced crime scene investigation resources. The full effect on local agencies may not be clear until next year.

Plymouth County, Massachusetts

https://sippican.theweektoday.com/article/plymouth-county-sherrifs-office-layoffs-may-have-ripple-effects-small-towns/157374

TriMet announced upcoming layoffs and budget cuts. The revised budget reduces spending by $64.5 million for fiscal year 2027. This includes approximately 170 layoffs of both union and non-union workers. The agency's deficit is growing faster than it can be reduced. TriMet currently faces a $224 million shortfall.

Portland, Oregon

https://www.kptv.com/2026/05/23/more-layoffs-cuts-expected-trimet-considers-updated-budget-with-rising-costs/

The Pajaro Valley Unified School District board approved final layoffs. Approximately 100 full-time equivalent positions were eliminated. These cuts affect special education staff, teachers, and mental health clinicians. The district cited a budget deficit, rising costs, and declining enrollment as reasons. Staff and parents voiced strong opposition, warning of negative impacts on student support and safety.

Watsonville, California

https://lookouexample.com/pajaro-valley-unified-school-board-approves-layoffs-of-about-100-full-time-staff/story

The Sacramento City Unified School District board approved over 90 additional employee layoffs. This decision defied an administrative law judge's recommendation to reinstate these employees. The judge found the district failed to prove timely layoff notices were issued. The district is working to address an over $100 million budget deficit. The board voted four to two to finalize the layoffs.

Sacramento, CA

https://www.capradio.org/articles/2026/05/22/scusd-board-rejects-judges-decision-to-reverse-dozens-of-layoffs/

Spokane Public Schools anticipates significant staff reductions. Superintendent Adam Swinyard discussed potential layoffs with the board. The district may eliminate 150 to 500 jobs. Declining student numbers and state funding volatility are factors. Budget shortfalls persist even with a successful levy renewal.

Spokane, Washington

https://starlocalmedia.com/spokane-public-schools-faces-major-layoffs-regardless-of-tax-renewal/article_04d3de80-5e50-5af7-9866-1ba608937bf7.html

Naropa University will eliminate 11 core faculty and about 40 instructor positions. This addresses a structural operating deficit of roughly $2 million. Six core faculty volunteered for leave; five others were offered it. Approximately 40 instructors will not have their contracts renewed but can teach as adjuncts. The university seeks to adjust its business model and ensure future stability.

Boulder, Colorado

https://www.dailycamera.com/2026/05/21/naropa-boulder-layoff-faculty-budget/

Staff at Southern Berkshire schools received layoff notices on May 19. Superintendent Brian Ricca confirmed 21.3 full-time-equivalent positions are being cut. The district faces a budget deficit exceeding $1 million for the upcoming fiscal year. The teachers union president reported widespread anger and a sense of betrayal among staff. Ricca plans to propose rehiring some laid-off staff using available excess funds.

Sheffield, Massachusetts

https://theberkshireedge.com/layoffs-deepen-crisis-in-southern-berkshire-regional-school-district-as-mood-turns-really-really-miserable/

The Juneau Assembly approved budget cuts following a lengthy finance committee meeting. Members voted to close and sell the Mount Jumbo Gym. They also decided to reduce funding for the Juneau-Douglas City Museum by $261,000. This reduction will lead to two staff layoffs and drastically reduced museum hours. Further cuts affected Travel Juneau and an administrative support position.

Juneau, Alaska

https://www.ktoo.org/2026/05/21/juneau-assembly-moves-forward-with-mount-jumbo-gym-closure-museum-staff-layoffs/

The Los Angeles Unified Board voted to approve significant job reductions. This action eliminates 657 positions within the school district’s central office. The district anticipates these cuts will save $90 million annually. These reductions are part of an ongoing fiscal stabilization plan. Further budget cuts and thousands of additional layoffs are projected for the coming years.

Los Angeles, California

https://laist.com/news/education/lausd-reduction-in-force-vote-may-2026-budget-preview

Sacramento City Unified approved additional staff terminations. This decision added to over 500 layoff notices authorized earlier. The board acted against an administrative judge's recommendation for about 100 employees. These cuts aim to address a $170 million budget deficit. District leaders seek to avoid state intervention with these measures.

Sacramento, California

https://www.abridged.org/news/sacramento-school-board-decides-on-more-layoffs/

Fayette County Public Schools announced major staffing cuts this week. This action terminated 120 district-level support personnel. The cuts address financial reporting errors and budget issues. Eliminated roles included 49 hourly and 71 salaried positions. The district is assisting affected employees with job placement.

https://www.wuky.org/wuky-news/2026-05-20/support-staff-hit-with-sweeping-layoffs-as-fayette-county-school-system-reins-in-spending

The Lowell Fire Department faces potential staffing reductions. City councilors are debating further cuts to the department. The department currently has 13 vacant positions. Firefighters are rallying against these proposed layoffs. They oppose any additional reductions in personnel.

Lowell,

https://www.nbcboston.com/video/on-air/as-seen-on/lowell-firefighters-rally-against-layoffs/3952602/?amp=1

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/

Santa Barbara County issued layoff notices to 84 employees. These notices are set to take effect on June 30. The county is preparing a $1.64 billion budget, a 2.9% decrease from last year. This reduction stems from an economic downturn and decreased state and federal funding. Affected staff primarily work in Public Health and Social Services, though some may transfer to other roles.

Santa Barbara, California

https://www.noozhawk.com/santa-barbara-county-issues-layoff-notices-for-84-positions/

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

Scott Sampson resigned as Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences. His resignation is effective May 29, with advisory duties through June. The institution recently announced layoffs of 53 employees. These cuts address a structural budget deficit exceeding $8 million. Amber Mace was appointed interim executive director.

San Francisco, California

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/california-academy-sciences-director-resigns-22260144.php

Baldwin Wallace announced further program and staff cuts. The university will cease offering 35 academic programs. Ten faculty members face job elimination. These actions aim for financial stability amid declining enrollment. The university previously cut 35 positions.

https://www.clevescene.com/news/baldwin-wallace-announces-another-round-of-program-and-budget-cuts/

Portland faces a significant $170 million budget shortfall. Mayor Keith Wilson proposed citywide cuts affecting various services. The Workforce Development Program for homeless individuals faces nearly $450,000 in funding reductions. These cuts threaten hundreds of participants and jobs at small nonprofits. Shelter providers like Transition Projects anticipate layoffs and fewer available beds.

Portland, Oregon

https://katu.com/news/local/were-facing-layoffs-portland-homeless-services-at-risk-under-budget-plan-homelessness-shelter-beds-capacity-city-council-politics-transition-projects-housing-service

Voters in Central New York school districts are deciding on budgets. Many districts face increasing costs for health insurance, utilities, and transportation. State funding remains flat while enrollment is declining across the region. Several districts propose staff reductions, including layoffs, to close budget gaps. Liverpool, Fulton, Jamesville-DeWitt, and Cortland are among those planning job cuts.

https://www.syracuse.com/schools/2026/05/school-district-voters-head-to-polls-tuesday-to-decide-on-budgets-including-some-with-layoffs.html

Egg Harbor Township School District eliminated 23 positions for the upcoming school year. These cuts affect teaching, administrative, and support staff roles. The district aims to close a roughly $6 million budget gap. Rising health care costs largely drove this financial shortfall. Officials confirmed no music programs are canceled, but Latin courses will end.

Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

https://www.nj.com/education/2026/05/nj-school-district-just-cut-23-jobs-as-students-worry-about-cuts-to-their-music-classes.html

Walla Walla Community College is eliminating 18 positions as part of a cost-cutting plan. This action includes 10 full-time and eight part-time or temporary roles. The college will also leave seven vacant positions unfilled and reduce hours for 11 employees. These staffing changes are expected to save over $2 million by June 30. The college faces a $4.3 million budget deficit due to funding changes and rising costs.

Walla Walla, Washington

https://www.lmtribune.com/local-news/wwcc-announces-layoffs-projected-to-save-2m-0f2c7a97

The city's proposed fiscal 2027 budget shows significant deficits. It includes 50 immediate personnel reductions across many departments. An additional 31 positions are slated for attrition. Public safety, public works, and health services departments are heavily impacted. Taxpayers may also face increases in property taxes and utility fees.

Lowell, Massachusetts

https://www.lowellsun.com/2026/05/15/major-layoffs-hit-lowells-city-hall/

The Kentucky Court of Justice is undergoing significant operational changes. This includes laying off nearly 200 employees due to anticipated budget deficits. Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert stated these cuts ensure financial longevity. The reorganization will also create 108 new frontline positions. These changes aim to align staffing and services with available resources.

Kentucky

https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article315768580.html

The Newport School Committee voted on May 12 to lay off 17 teachers. This decision is effective on May 29. The layoffs are strictly for financial reasons. The district faces a roughly $5 million budget deficit. Many community members and two committee members opposed the cuts.

Newport,

https://www.newportthisweek.com/articles/newport-school-committee-votes-to-layoff-17-teachers/

The WCCUSD school board approved dozens of layoffs. The district must address a $127.2 million shortfall. The board spared several popular programs from cuts after community testimony. Teachers, custodians, and administrators are among those affected. The board also cut $1.8 million in various contracts.

Richmond, California

https://richmondside.org/2026/05/14/wccusd-board-layoffs-budget-cuts/

Portland State University announced plans to lay off 52 faculty and staff members. This action is part of a broader financial sustainability plan. The university aims to close a $35 million budget deficit by fiscal year 2028. Two academic departments, University Studies and Conflict Resolution, are slated for elimination. The provisional plan also includes a tuition increase and affects nine departments total.

Portland, Oregon

https://www.wweek.com/news/schools/2026/05/14/portland-state-university-eyes-52-layoffs/

The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association criticized HSE Schools. They opposed the district's decision to lay off 18 teachers. The union proposed retirement buyouts as an alternative solution. HSE Schools cited financial pressures and enrollment adjustments for the cuts. These 18 teachers represented over 100 combined years of experience.

Fishers, Indiana

https://www.larryinfishers.com/2026/05/13/teachers-union-says-hse-had-alternatives-to-18-staff-reductions/

The Redlands Unified School District recently approved 19 new layoffs. These cuts impact positions such as librarians, special education staff, and nurses. This decision follows 135 layoff notices approved earlier in the year. The district cites financial pressure, enrollment trends, and budget issues. Officials state these actions are necessary to ensure fiscal stability.

Redlands

https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/redlands-unified-school-district-layoffs/3890142/