#education

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/

Santa Monica College Faces Layoffs Amid Fiscal Crisis

Santa Monica College trustees will meet regarding a financial crisis. This crisis may result in about 70 staff layoffs. College reserves are expected to be depleted by 2026-27. Enrollment has fallen 13% since 2018, affecting state funding. The Faculty Association criticizes college leadership for the situation.

https://www.smdp.com/college-board-meets-tuesday-as-school-heads-for-fiscal-cliff/

The Center of Science and Industry recently conducted layoffs. These reductions followed years of financial losses at the museum. Fifteen percent of its 150-person staff were affected across various departments. Current and former employees report the education team was most impacted.

• This may hurt COSI's hands-on educational mission.

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2026/02/03/fired-cosi-worker-now-im-concerned-that-it-doesnt-work-anymore/88298655007/

Proposal Submitted to Lawmakers to Halt Education Staff Cuts

A budget proposal was recently introduced. This proposal aims to prevent unexpected layoffs. These layoffs would affect the education sector. Lawmakers received the budget pitch. The goal is to stabilize education employment.

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/video/2026/02/03/budget-pitch-avoid-sudden-education-layoffs-presented-lawmakers/

Anchorage, AK

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on Education Department layoffs. The department had reversed plans to lay off nearly 300 Office for Civil Rights (OCR) employees. The GAO estimated these actions cost between $28.5 million and $38 million. The report criticized the department for not documenting potential costs or savings. Education Department officials deemed the GAO's recommendations moot.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2026/02/03/ocr-layoffs-estimated-cost-38m-gao-says

SCUSD is facing a growing financial crisis as leaders warn the budget deficit for the current school year is larger than the $43 million shortfall reported last year

https://www.abc10.com/video/news/local/sacramento/sacramento-city-unified-approves-layoffs-and-furloughs-to-avoid-state-takeover/103-51e987bc-04f7-4e67-a882-54eb43bf0692

Regents approved tuition increases for Nevada colleges. This affects all eight public institutions. The hike addresses a $46.5 million budget shortfall. It aims to avoid faculty layoffs and course reductions. Students face 9% to 12% tuition hikes over three years.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/nevada-regents-approve-tuition-hike-at-public-colleges-to-cover-46-5-million-gap/amp_articleshow/127710381.cms

Layoffs are expected at Brevard Public Schools ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. According to a Jan. 28 letter from Superintendent Mark Rendell, the district plans to cut each department by 7% due to ongoing declines in student enrollment.

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/education/2026/01/30/layoffs-headed-for-brevard-schools-due-to-declining-student-enrollment/88413269007/

Kentucky Sen. Julie Raque Adams filed Senate Bill 2. The bill aims to cap pay raises for JCPS administrators. Administrator raises would not exceed the average teacher pay increase. This follows a 27% pay bump for a former JCPS superintendent. JCPS teachers received a 14% raise over the last three years.

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/bill-prevent-pay-raise-percentages-jcps-administrators-exceed-teachers/417-75aa8b20-7922-495f-9183-f2623396fcc3

Canton Schools Board Approves $17.7 Million Budget Cuts, Layoffs Expected

The Canton City School District board approved a $17.7 million budget reduction plan. This plan outlines cuts to be implemented over the next two years. The district faces a deficit and must submit the plan to the state. Layoffs are anticipated, though the district prefers staff attrition. The cuts target certified, classified, and administrative positions, alongside school consolidation.

https://www.wosu.org/2026-01-27/canton-school-board-approves-plan-to-cut-18m-from-budget-layoffs-are-likely?_amp=true

Canton, Ohio

TPS Implements Layoffs to Address Budget Deficit

Toledo Public Schools has begun laying off employees. This action addresses a projected budget deficit. Thirty-two staff members, including nurses and social workers, were initially affected. The district plans to eliminate over 200 positions in total over two years. These cuts were approved by the school board in December.

https://www.wtol.com/article/news/education/toledo-public-schools-layoffs-tps-local-news-education/512-c82034ec-f4ca-4307-b415-36683bbda338

Toledo, Ohio

In a powerful legal complaint filed this month in federal court in Denver, AP, a former admissions representative for Colorado Technical University (CTU), alleges that the for-profit, online school, owned by giant Perdoceo Education Corp., systematically deceived and abused students.

https://www.republicreport.org/2026/ex-recruiter-sues-for-profit-college-chain-perdoceo-alleging-systematic-fraud/

https://www.anthropic.com/research/anthropic-economic-index-january-2026-report

TLDR: How humans prompt is how Claude responds: The education levels of human prompts and AI responses are nearly perfectly correlated (r > 0.92 at both levels). Higher per capita usage countries also show more augmentation—using Claude as a collaborator rather than delegating decisions entirely.

In other words, model quality output highly correlates with education level. Explains a lot at WF. Time to bring in more AI savvy people.

Santa Rosa City Schools unveiled a new fiscal plan. This plan includes laying off approximately 100 employees. The district expects to save $14.2 million annually. These measures aim to prevent a state takeover and rebuild reserves. The cuts follow prior layoffs and six campus closures.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/01/26/santa-rosa-city-schools-fiscal-plan-calls-for-more-than-100-staff-layoffs-as-embattled-district-looks-for-savings/

The Redlands Unified School District board will meet to consider significant staff reductions. Resolutions propose authorizing layoffs for 91 certificated and 44 classified positions. These cuts are attributed to declining enrollment and budget constraints. The board will also review the district's 2024-25 financial audit. Additionally, trustees will discuss a new mobile device policy and the 2027-28 student attendance calendar.

https://www.communityforwardredlands.com/redlands-unified-to-consider-layoffs-budget-audit-policy-changes/

RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras shared his proposed budget cuts Thursday ahead of what he says will be a "difficult budget year," including 50 layoffs and ending summer school for K-8 students.

https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/rps-budget-cuts-kamras-recommendations-jan-22-2026

East Side Union High School District's board will vote on significant staff layoffs. The district faces a $9 million budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year. Proposed cuts total around 85 full-time positions. These include counselors, social workers, and campus safety advisors. Educators warn these reductions will harm vulnerable students and wellness centers.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/01/22/east-san-jose-school-district-to-vote-on-layoffs-for-student-safety-mental-health-staff/