LAUSD Plans Staff Layoffs: Find Out Who Might Be Affected
Proposed Job Cuts in Los Angeles Unified School District Sparks Controversy
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education engaged in a contentious discussion Tuesday regarding a proposal to eliminate hundreds of positions within the district. The proposal aims to address a significant budget deficit exacerbated by declining enrollment and the loss of temporary COVID-19 funding.
The budget report from December 2025 indicated that LAUSD is facing projected deficits of $877 million for the 2026-2027 school year. As part of the layoff plan, the district is considering cutting a total of 731 positions. An LAUSD spokesperson noted that by March 15, approximately 2,600 employees would receive routine annual notices regarding the end of their contracts.
The potential cuts would primarily affect 657 central office and centrally-funded roles, encompassing gardeners, IT support technicians, and assistant bus area supervisors. According to district representatives, while 52 positions may see a reduction in hours, 22 will undergo changes in their employment status. "The action would affect less than 1% of the Los Angeles Unified workforce," the spokesperson stated.
Importantly, the district clarified that teachers and counselors are exempt from the proposed cuts. However, this decision has not alleviated concerns among educators. Cecily Myart-Cruz, President of United Teachers Los Angeles, indicated that the union is prepared to strike if the layoff plan proceeds. A recent strike authorization vote revealed that 94% of union members are in favor of walking off the job.
Max Arias, Executive Director of SEIU Local 99, emphasized the implications of the proposed cuts, noting, "These are bus drivers. These are people that support teachers in the classroom – people that care for kids in recess."
The board’s meeting on Tuesday marked the initial phase of deliberation, with final decisions expected by May.
