CCSD Announces Nearly 1,200 Employee Surplus Amid Budget Constraints and Enrollment Decline

School district cites rising costs and fewer students as reasons for potential layoffs, but says all surplus employees will be placed in new roles.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Clark County School District (CCSD) in Las Vegas has announced that nearly 1,200 employees could be surplused, or laid off, for the next school year due to rising costs and declining student enrollment numbers. The surplus includes 682 licensed employees, 500 support professionals, and 64 administrators. However, CCSD says there will be around 4,000 openings available, partially due to retiring staff and employees leaving the district. The district is also implementing a hiring freeze to prioritize placing surplus employees in new roles.

Why it matters

The CCSD surplus highlights the financial challenges facing school districts across the country, as declining enrollment and rising costs put pressure on budgets. The situation raises concerns about the impact on students and teachers, as well as the broader economic implications for the Las Vegas community.

The details

According to a memo sent to CCSD staff, the surplus is due to a combination of declining student enrollment, which reduces campus revenues, and limited increases in per-pupil funding from the state legislature. John Vellardita, executive director of the Clark County Education Association, explained that during the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers only increased the basic per-pupil funding level by $2, which has not kept up with inflation or rising costs. Vellardita expressed confidence that all surplus employees will be placed in new positions within the district, with the exception of those leaving high-need Title 1 schools, who may lose a $5,000 pay supplement.

  • The CCSD surplus announcement was made this week.
  • The surplus will take effect for the next school year.

The players

Clark County School District (CCSD)

The public school district serving the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which is the fifth-largest school district in the United States.

John Vellardita

The executive director of the Clark County Education Association, the teachers' union representing CCSD employees.

Merrick Murray

An assistant principal at an elementary school in the CCSD district who has been deemed as "surplus" and is among those being laid off.

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What they’re saying

“As someone who also looks at the budget, I understood it. I kind of saw it coming.”

— Merrick Murray, Assistant Principal (KTNV)

“I'm going to miss my little school.”

— Merrick Murray, Assistant Principal (KTNV)

“We are very confident all of these people are going to be placed in a position. We don't see that happening at all.”

— John Vellardita, Executive Director, Clark County Education Association (KTNV)

What’s next

CCSD officials have implemented a hiring freeze to prioritize placing surplus employees in new roles within the district. The district is also working with the teachers' union to ensure a smooth transition for those affected by the layoffs.

The takeaway

The CCSD surplus highlights the financial challenges facing school districts nationwide, as declining enrollment and limited funding increases put pressure on budgets. However, the district's commitment to placing surplus employees in new roles and the union's involvement suggest a collaborative approach to mitigating the impact on teachers and students.