Tensions mount as LAUSD board to consider sending 3,200 notices of possible layoffs

"More than 3,200 Los Angeles Unified employees would receive a notice of a possible layoff under a proposal to be considered at Tuesday's Board of Education meeting amid calls from union leaders to pause the decision until the state revenue forecast becomes clearer. The number of workers who are likely to lose their jobs is expected to be much lower, but could still be significant. Other workers would face demotion, pay cuts and new jobs in different places."

"The proposed action is part of a plan to close what officials describe as an ongoing structural deficit - meaning that the nation's second-largest school system is spending more annually than it is receiving. Layoffs have been avoided for more than five years largely because of one-time, accumulated relief aid related to COVID-19. In a December budget filing, the district projected deficits of $877 million, or 14%, for the 2026-2027 school year and $443 million, or 7%, the year after."

"The number of actual layoffs is certain to be much smaller than 3,200. The larger figure reflects required notice provisions under state law and union seniority rules. When a long-tenured employee's position is eliminated, that employee may be eligible to bump out another employee with less seniority in a lower-position. Both employees, however, must receive notice of a possible loss of their position - as well as anyone else in the bumping chain."

LAUSD would issue notices to more than 3,200 employees under a proposal aimed at closing a persistent structural budget shortfall. Actual job losses are expected to be much lower because state law and union seniority bumping rules require notices across potential displacement chains. The district projected deficits of $877 million (14%) for 2026-2027 and $443 million (7%) the following year. Layoffs were avoided for over five years due to one-time COVID relief funds, but those resources have been depleted. Affected workers could face demotion, pay cuts, reassignment, or job loss. Union leaders have urged a pause until state revenue forecasts clarify.

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