Vallejo School District Workers Rally Against Staffing Cuts

Union members protest proposed job losses ahead of district's budget decisions

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:49pm

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Angered union members flocked to the Vallejo City Unified School District board meeting, speaking out against the district's ongoing reconfiguration plan and the deep staffing cuts tied to it. Ahead of the meeting, dozens of California School Employees Association (CSEA) members rallied outside the district's Mare Island office, chanting "When we fight, we win" and drawing support from fellow union representatives and labor leaders from across the Bay Area.

Why it matters

The dispute follows the board's recent decision to approve roughly 220 staffing cuts for the 2026-2027 school year, including cuts to both classified and certificated positions. The rally highlights growing tensions between the district and its workers over the impact of these proposed cuts on school programs and operations.

The details

The rally featured megaphones, marches, and testimonials from impacted staff, as well as speeches from union leaders like Glenn Loveall of the Napa-Solano Central Labor Council and Elizabeth Harrison of SEIU Local 102. They argued that the cuts, especially to classified support staff, would have long-term negative impacts on the education experience for students. The meeting itself was disrupted when the board president initially refused to begin proceedings until protesters relocated to an overflow area, though the union argued they were within capacity limits.

  • The Vallejo City Unified School District board recently approved roughly 220 staffing cuts for the 2026-2027 school year.
  • The rally took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 ahead of the district board meeting.

The players

Vallejo City Unified School District

The public school district serving the city of Vallejo, California.

California School Employees Association (CSEA) Vallejo Chapter 199

The local chapter of the statewide union representing classified school employees in Vallejo.

Glenn Loveall

Executive director of the Napa-Solano Central Labor Council, a regional labor federation.

Elizabeth Harrison

Vice President of Service Employees International Union Local 102.

Kat Salas-Teitgen

President of CSEA Vallejo Chapter 199.

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What they’re saying

“We stand in solidarity with you. You see, teachers, healthcare workers, construction workers, public sector — they are all here with you on the frontlines because we're gonna fight to protect all of you.”

— Glenn Loveall, Executive director of the Napa-Solano Central Labor Council

“The people who make sure that the cabinets aren't falling off the hinges — you're the unspoken heroes of our education system for our children.”

— Elizabeth Harrison, Vice President of Service Employees International Union Local 102

“Although they want us to come to work with a smile on our face, a lot of them, for the most part, are sick to their stomach — losing sleep, having a hard time eating. But we also have to have hope in our hearts and continue for our kids.”

— Kat Salas-Teitgen, President of CSEA Vallejo Chapter 199

What’s next

In June, the Vallejo City Unified School District board will be asked to adopt the district's 2026–2027 budget, incorporating the planned staffing reductions and any additional actions needed to address the district's ongoing budget deficit.

The takeaway

The rally highlights the growing tensions between the Vallejo school district and its workers over the impact of proposed staffing cuts, which union members argue will have long-term negative consequences for students and school operations. The dispute reflects broader challenges facing California school districts as they grapple with declining enrollment and budget pressures.