LAUSD Considers Sweeping Staff Reductions as Layoff Notices Could Go Out Next Month

Proposal would cut office roles and management positions as district confronts long-term fiscal challenges.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Unified School District's governing board is scheduled to vote on a sweeping workforce reduction plan aimed at closing a massive budget gap driven by falling enrollment and rising costs. The proposal authorizes a 'reduction in force' that could lead to layoffs at both the district's central office and individual campuses, with affected employees potentially receiving preliminary layoff notices as soon as next month.

Why it matters

LAUSD, like many school districts across California, is facing long-term fiscal pressures due to declining enrollment, the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds, and increasing expenses. The proposed staff reductions are part of a broader $1.4 billion fiscal stabilization plan to address the district's multibillion-dollar structural deficit.

The details

The proposal calls for eliminating 657 central office and centrally funded classified positions, more than one-third of which are information technology technicians. In addition, 52 positions would see reduced hours, and 22 would face pay reductions. Classroom teachers and counselors assigned to schools are not included in the current proposal.

  • The LAUSD governing board is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • If approved, affected employees could receive preliminary layoff notices as soon as next month (March 2026).
  • State law requires districts to issue layoff notices by March 15, with final decisions made by the end of June.

The players

LAUSD

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school district in the country.

Alberto M. Carvalho

The superintendent of LAUSD who previously told board members that approving a reduction in force does not automatically result in job losses.

Santa Monica College

A community college in Santa Monica, California that recently voted for staff reductions.

SMMUSD

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, which is proposing to cut language and literacy interventionists, LLP/reading intervention teachers, at all elementary schools in the district.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Classroom teachers and counselors assigned to schools are not included in the current proposal.”

— LAUSD spokesperson (westsidetoday.com)

“Approving a reduction in force does not automatically result in job losses. Some employees could be reassigned or transferred to other vacancies within the district.”

— Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent, LAUSD (westsidetoday.com)

What’s next

The LAUSD governing board is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Tuesday, February 18, 2026. If approved, affected employees could receive preliminary layoff notices as soon as next month (March 2026).

The takeaway

LAUSD, like many school districts across California, is facing long-term fiscal challenges due to declining enrollment, the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds, and increasing expenses. The proposed staff reductions are part of a broader effort to address the district's multibillion-dollar structural deficit and maintain long-term financial stability, while seeking to protect classroom instruction and student services.