LAUSD Approves Up to 657 Layoffs Amid Budget Crisis

Superintendent warns district budget at 'breaking point' as deficit spending looms

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board has voted to send out 3,200 layoff notices, a move expected to result in up to 657 job cuts, as the district faces deficit spending and a forecast of insolvency within three years. The decision was made amid strong opposition from labor groups who argue the layoffs are unnecessary and will harm central office and centrally-funded positions.

Why it matters

LAUSD is the second-largest school district in the country, serving over 600,000 students. The layoffs come as the district grapples with budget challenges, raising concerns about the impact on educational services and staffing levels in the nation's second-largest school system.

The details

The LAUSD board narrowly voted to initiate the layoff process, which is expected to result in the elimination of up to 657 positions. The decision was made in response to deficit spending and an internal forecast predicting the district could become insolvent within three years.

  • The LAUSD board voted on the layoffs on February 18, 2026.

The players

LAUSD

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school district in the United States, serving over 600,000 students.

Alberto Carvalho

The superintendent of LAUSD, who warned that the district's budget is at a 'breaking point'.

LAUSD labor groups

Labor unions and organizations representing LAUSD employees who strongly opposed the layoffs, arguing they are unnecessary and harmful.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The LAUSD board will continue to monitor the district's financial situation and explore additional cost-saving measures to address the budget deficit.

The takeaway

The LAUSD layoffs highlight the ongoing financial challenges facing public school districts, as they grapple with declining enrollment, rising costs, and the need to balance budgets. The decision underscores the difficult trade-offs school leaders must make to ensure the long-term sustainability of their districts.