#education

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

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) plans to lay off hundreds of teachers. This action addresses a projected $732 million deficit for the next school year. Federal COVID-19 relief funds, which previously supported staff, have now ended. The district has also seen a significant decline in student enrollment since 2019. CPS officials are exploring other funding sources to mitigate the shortfall.

Chicago, Illinois

https://chicagocrusader.com/hundreds-of-teacher-face-layoffs-amid-projected-cps-732m-deficit/

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 Warwick School Committee approved staff layoffs on Tuesday. This included 18 teachers, three administrators, and 21 teaching assistants. The committee vote was 3 to 2 in favor. Parents and school staff criticized these reductions. The Committee had previously approved a $203.8 million budget for FY27.

Warwick, RI

https://warwickpost.com/school-committee-oks-18-warwick-teacher-layoffs/

Coachella Valley Unified will lay off 34 teachers. These layoffs are expected at the end of the school year. The district faces a multimillion-dollar budget deficit. It is working to close this deficit. The goal is to maintain financial solvency.

https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/education/2026/05/13/cvusd-teacher-layoffs-classified-school-board/90047380007/

Iowa's new law increases funding and autonomy for charter schools. This has raised concerns for the state's public schools. Opponents fear potential teacher layoffs and reduced resources. The law also relaxes requirements for homeschooling families. Public school advocates question fair funding for two systems.

Des Moines, Iowa

https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/education/new-iowa-charter-school-law/524-f68c8353-3512-4704-a3eb-aca2c37b2cbb

Superintendent Thomas Taylor issued a warning to school employees. He cited "extremely serious concerns" regarding the budget. Montgomery County Public Schools faces a $150 million budget shortfall. Reductions could eliminate 100 full-time positions for every $10 million cut. The County Council is expected to finalize budget decisions soon.

Montgomery County, Maryland

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/education/mcps-superintendent-warns-of-layoffs-budget-shortfall/65-1b7cdbe5-aa6e-428e-8265-8f4dc4c28684

Cleveland Metropolitan School District leaders defended recent layoffs and school closures. An additional 51 central office administrators received layoff notices. This adds to 315 layoffs approved earlier in April. The district will close 29 schools next year due to declining enrollment. Sixty teachers previously laid off will return as enhanced building substitutes.

Cleveland, Ohio

https://www.ideastream.org/education/2026-05-12/cleveland-school-leaders-defend-layoffs-building-closures-amid-broader-public-education-challenges

Oregon educators protested outside Nike stores on Saturday. The "Just Sign It" campaign targeted Nike in Eugene and Portland. Protesters demanded Nike pay $2 billion to the state. They claim this amount was saved through a 2012 tax deal. Teachers linked Nike's tax deal to recent school district layoffs.

Eugene, Oregon

https://www.kezi.com/news/local/oregon-teachers-rally-at-nike-stores-after-200-layoffs-in-eugene/article_62e3e9b5-68d0-47c9-ab35-fff786798100.html

The Akron school board approved $11 million in budget reductions. This action prevents a financial shortfall for the upcoming school year. Seventeen staff positions will be eliminated from the district. Six deans will move into available teaching positions. These measures aim to prevent future state financial oversight.

Akron, Ohio

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/education/2026/05/12/akron-school-board-approves-11-million-cuts-avoids-teacher-layoffs/90034259007/

The Children's Institute will lay off 34 employees. This follows the University of Rochester's decision to end its leased employee relationship. A WARN notice was filed with the New York State Department of Labor. The layoffs are scheduled to begin on June 30. The university stated the Institute now operates with greater independence.

Rochester, New York

https://www.whec.com/top-news/childrens-institute-to-layoff-34-jobs-following-contract-split-with-urochester/

Minneapolis school district leaders acknowledged years of budgeting errors. These miscalculations worsened district deficits and caused staff layoffs. The district specifically miscoded special-education expenditures, losing millions in revenue. Correcting this error will add over $10 million in state revenue for both the current and next fiscal year. This financial improvement allows nearly 110 full-time positions to be saved from previous budget cuts.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-schools-budget-error-worsened-deficit-and-affected-layoffs-years-ago/601838453

Lansing School District recently cut 50 staff positions. This action follows the end of federal pandemic relief money. Superintendent Jessica Benavides confirmed the cuts. Federal pandemic funding has now ended. Many Michigan K-12 schools face similar budget shortfalls.

Lansing, Michigan

https://www.wilx.com/2026/05/08/tight-budgets-force-lansing-school-district-layoffs-federal-relief-money-runs-dry-across-michigan/

Artificial intelligence increasingly threatens white-collar jobs in Michigan. Experts estimate AI could automate a significant percentage of work tasks. Michigan's large technical workforce faces high exposure to this disruption. The state is expanding adult education and retraining programs. Community colleges are evolving into workforce transition centers to address these changes.

https://mitechnews.com/industry-40/michigan-is-racing-to-retrain-workers-before-ai-reshapes-the-economy/

The Missouri education department has warned school districts to expect reduced state funding. This financial shortfall could lead to larger class sizes, school closures, and staff layoffs. St. Louis Public Schools faces a significant budget deficit for the third consecutive year. The district plans to eliminate 300 long-term substitute teaching positions. Other area districts are also considering closures and tax increases to address financial pressures.

St. Louis, Missouri

https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/article_e6d1c676-be17-4be2-911b-3aa1ea07fb7d.html

Eugene School District 4J issued layoff notices. A total of 176 employees received these notices. The notices were sent on May 1. This action addresses a significant budget deficit. The district faces a $46.4 million shortfall.

Eugene, Oregon

https://www.registerguard.com/story/news/education/2026/05/08/eugene-school-district-4j-lays-off-176/89968393007/

Bristol Public Schools faces budget challenges. About 135 teacher layoff notices were recently issued. State officials announced $172 million in supplemental education aid. Bristol will receive an additional $4.5 million from this aid. This funding may help reduce layoffs and lower taxes.

Bristol, Connecticut

https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/hartford/bristol-works-to-finalize-school-budget-as-teacher-layoffs-loom/