Berkeley Unified Rescinds Majority of Layoff Notices but Moves Forward with 15 Staff Cuts Amid Budget Deficit

Berkeley Unified Rescinds Majority of Layoff Notices but Moves Forward with 15 Staff Cuts Amid Budget Deficit

The Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) has scaled back the number of staff facing layoffs, offering a moment of relief for many employees and families, though some cuts will still move forward.

After initially issuing 181 preliminary layoff notices earlier this year, the district announced that 166 of those notices have been rescinded. However, the school board approved final layoff notices for 15 staff members during its most recent meeting.

These decisions come as the district faces a projected $10 million budget shortfall for the 2025–26 school year. Like many school districts across California, BUSD is grappling with rising costs, declining enrollment, and state funding challenges. In response, the district is considering a range of cost-cutting measures to close the deficit, including staffing reductions and program cuts.

District officials emphasized their commitment to balancing the budget in a way that prioritizes student services and maintains the quality of education. However, community members have voiced concerns over how these staffing cuts might affect classroom instruction, counseling services, and other student support programs.

Throughout the process, the district has pledged to maintain transparency and involve the community in discussions around financial planning and budget decisions.

As BUSD moves forward, the balancing act between fiscal responsibility and educational quality remains at the forefront of community debate.

Berkeley Unified Rescinds Majority of Layoff Notices but Moves Forward with 15 Staff Cuts Amid Budget Deficit