Redland Unified to Lay Off Over 100 Amid Budget Cuts

The upcoming layoffs will impact librarians, health care technicians, teachers, counselors, and assistant principals.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:31pm

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The Redlands Unified School District in Los Angeles, California, is set to lay off 135 employees, including 22 librarians and 9 health care technicians like school nurses, as well as some teachers, counselors, and assistant principals. The school board approved the budget cuts in a 3-2 vote.

Why it matters

The layoffs come as the district grapples with financial challenges, including the impact of a 13% salary increase agreed to a couple of years ago and declining enrollment. The cuts will significantly impact day-to-day operations and support for students and families.

The details

The district has $74 million in reserves, but $55 million is restricted funding. After setting aside an undisclosed amount for maintenance, the district is left with about $8 million. School officials say the layoffs are necessary to revisit how the district can best support sites and families with fewer people.

  • The school board approved the layoffs in a 3-2 vote on Tuesday evening.
  • Workers impacted by the layoffs will be notified by March 15 and given priority status to reapply if future openings arise.

The players

Redlands Unified School District

A school district in Los Angeles, California that is facing budget cuts and layoffs of over 100 employees.

Christine Stephens

A spokesperson for the Redlands Unified School District.

Sam Trad

A parent with two children in the Redlands Unified School District who is discouraged by the layoffs and lack of leadership.

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What they’re saying

“A couple of years ago, the board agreed to pass a 13% increase to all salaries across the district. That played a little to today's budget. There is also the impact of enrollment.”

— Christine Stephens, Spokesperson, Redlands Unified School District (nbclosangeles.com)

“Instead of focusing on how to help our teachers and staff grow and thrive, our board members have been focused on naming books and flags in classrooms and done nothing to help our school district.”

— Sam Trad, Parent (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The district said the workers impacted by the layoffs will be notified by March 15 and will be given priority status to reapply in the future if an opening within the district comes up.

The takeaway

The layoffs at Redlands Unified School District highlight the difficult financial decisions school districts must make, balancing budgets, salaries, and staffing levels to continue providing quality education to students. The cuts will significantly impact day-to-day operations and support for students and families, raising concerns about the district's leadership and priorities.