Hayward Unified School District to Lay Off 107 Employees

The Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) is confronting a substantial budget deficit of approximately $55 million, prompting plans to lay off 107 full-time employees as part of a fiscal solvency strategy.

This financial challenge is attributed to declining student enrollment, state budget constraints, the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds, and ongoing underfunding of mandated special education services.

HUSD bargaining team members at an August 2023 bargaining session, image via SEIU1021.org

Over the past eight years, HUSD has experienced a loss of about 3,500 students, significantly impacting state funding, which is closely tied to daily attendance figures.

The district projects enrollment to reach an all-time low of approximately 16,500 students in the coming years, exacerbating the financial strain.

In response to the budget shortfall, HUSD has initiated a series of community town hall meetings to discuss potential solutions and gather input from stakeholders. The first of these meetings took place on November 14, 2024, at Cherryland Elementary School.

Additionally, the district is engaged in negotiations with employee bargaining units, aiming to reach agreements on new contracts amidst the financial challenges.

The planned layoffs and other cost-saving measures underscore the district's efforts to address the financial crisis while minimizing the impact on student education. However, these developments have raised concerns among staff, educators, and families about the potential effects on educational quality and community stability.

As HUSD navigates this challenging period, the district emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration to develop sustainable solutions that prioritize the educational needs of its students.