Ramona Unified to lay off 12 teachers and staff

District cites budget shortfall, declining enrollment, and high absenteeism as reasons for cuts

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Ramona Unified School District board voted unanimously to send layoff notices to 12 classified and certificated staff members and keep 28 vacant positions unfilled as a way to address a $4.1 million budget shortfall. The cutbacks will affect about 18 certificated positions, including 10 general education elementary classroom teaching positions, as well as 27 classified positions such as bus drivers, campus safety officers, and paraeducators.

Why it matters

The layoffs and position eliminations in Ramona Unified highlight the financial challenges facing school districts due to declining enrollment, high absenteeism, and rising costs. The cuts will directly impact student services and support, raising concerns about the district's priorities and commitment to its students.

The details

Ramona Unified is projecting a $4.1 million deficit for the 2026-27 school year and an additional $4.1 million deficit for 2027-28. The district says the shortfall is driven by declining enrollment, high absenteeism, and increased costs for special education, health benefits, and other operational expenses. While the district is offering early retirement incentives and not filling some vacant positions, the layoffs will still affect 3 certificated and 9 classified employees.

  • The planned layoffs would go into effect in the 2026-27 school year budget, which is scheduled for adoption in June 2026.
  • The school board voted on the layoffs and position eliminations on February 13, 2026.

The players

Ramona Unified School District

A public school district serving the city of Ramona, California.

Daryn Drum

President of the Ramona Unified School District board of trustees.

Tony Newman

Assistant superintendent of Human Resources Development for Ramona Unified School District.

Cori McDonald

President of the Ramona Teachers Association and a librarian at Ramona High School.

Leslie Wilson

Interim superintendent of Ramona Unified School District.

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What they’re saying

“Ramona Unified School District says student safety and instruction are the No. 1 focus for the district, yet most of these projected cuts are the people who have a direct impact on students. Safety officers, librarians, and teachers are all listed but there is not one management position. This speaks volumes to our community and our staff and it says the district priority is actually far from what they say. What we say is, 'Do better!'”

— Cori McDonald, President, Ramona Teachers Association (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“I understand cuts need to be made, but I don't think these cuts are what's best for the students or are equitable to the staff. Creating and preserving non-student centered roles while preserving management positions is not responsible.”

— James Grizzle, Social science teacher, Ramona High School (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“At Barnett I have worked hard to create a library that is more than just a room full of books. Please don't take away the career I love.”

— Megan Guile, Library technician, Barnett Elementary School (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The school board will adopt the 2026-27 budget in June 2026, which will finalize the layoffs and position eliminations.

The takeaway

The layoffs in Ramona Unified highlight the difficult financial decisions facing school districts as they grapple with declining enrollment, high absenteeism, and rising costs. The cuts will directly impact student services and support, raising concerns about the district's priorities and commitment to its students. As districts make these tough choices, they must carefully balance their budgets while preserving resources that directly benefit students.