Fresno Unified Faces Potential Layoffs, Including Teachers and Spanish-Speakers

More than 250 jobs could be cut as the district grapples with a $59 million budget deficit.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 11:09pm

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Fresno Unified School District is considering eliminating over 250 positions, including teachers and Spanish-speaking employees, as it faces a projected $59 million budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year. The proposed cuts include 190 full-time equivalent classified jobs and 84 full-time equivalent certificated positions, such as 19 preschool teachers and 22 school counselors.

Why it matters

The potential layoffs come at a difficult time for the district and its employees, who are already struggling with the impacts of the pandemic. Union leaders have urged the district to find savings elsewhere and avoid balancing the budget "off its already lowest-paid workers." The cuts could have a significant impact on students, especially those who rely on Spanish-speaking staff.

The details

The Fresno Unified Board of Education will consider the proposed layoffs at its meeting on February 25. The cuts include 190 full-time equivalent classified positions, such as paraprofessionals, managers, and school and community liaisons. Home/School Spanish liaisons would be hit particularly hard, with 42 full-time equivalent positions slated for elimination. For certificated employees, 19 preschool teachers, 22 school counselors, and multiple administrative positions are among the positions identified for elimination.

  • The Fresno Unified Board of Education will consider the proposed layoffs at its meeting on February 25, 2026.
  • If approved, the reductions or eliminations would go into effect on June 30, 2026.

The players

Fresno Unified School District

The third-largest school district in California, facing a projected $59 million budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year.

SEIU Local 521

The union representing many of the classified employees at risk of layoffs, who have urged the district to find savings elsewhere.

Fresno Teachers Association

The union representing teachers in the district, who could also be impacted by the proposed layoffs.

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What they’re saying

“FUSD can and should avoid balancing its budget off its already lowest-paid workers, who have long held the foundation of the educational structure in Fresno's schools. Now is the time to fix what is broken and tap into reserves to invest in what works. Making the right choices now will protect students and staff during a time it is needed the most.”

— Debbie Acosta, FUSD Chapter President for SEIU (Email)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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