The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is set to lay off approximately 100 full-time employees at its headquarters for the 2025-26 school year to address a projected $95 million budget deficit. This decision comes after the school board voted 6-1 to issue layoff notices to over 800 employees, aiming to stabilize finances and prevent insolvency.
The deficit, which has grown from an earlier estimate of $87 million, is attributed to salary and benefit increases negotiated last year, declining enrollment, and the expiration of one-time COVID-related investments.
Despite public opposition, board members emphasized the necessity of these cuts to maintain fiscal responsibility.
Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell has outlined plans to merge campuses and implement other cost-saving measures to mitigate the financial shortfall.
“I didn’t come on the board to lay people off,” said board member Rachel Latta. “I feel I do have to vote on these things.”
The district’s financial challenges have also prompted increased oversight from county officials, underscoring the urgency of addressing the budget crisis.
