Berkeley School Board Reverses 330 Layoffs—but 21 Non-Teacher Jobs Still at Risk

May 13, 2026 — In a significant shift for the Berkeley Unified School District, the school board has rescinded 330 layoff and reduction notices after public outcry and negotiations, but 21 non-teacher positions remain on the chopping block. The decision highlights the broader financial pressures facing California’s public education system, even as districts attempt to balance budgets amid rising costs and uncertain state funding.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest developments—and what they mean for educators, students, and the future of Berkeley’s schools.

Why Were Layoffs Proposed in the First Place?

The proposed layoffs were part of a broader effort to address budget shortfalls in the Berkeley Unified School District. While the exact financial drivers were not detailed in official statements, California’s education system has faced persistent funding challenges in recent years, including:

• Declining state education funding per pupil (adjusted for inflation) since 2020, despite population growth [^1].
• Rising operational costs, including healthcare benefits, infrastructure repairs, and compliance with new state mandates (e.g., climate education requirements, mental health services).
• Cybersecurity incidents, such as the 2026 Canvas hack affecting UC and Peralta systems, which disrupted administrative workflows and required additional IT investments [^2].

The district’s initial layoff notices—over 2,400 preliminary notices for teaching positions, according to the California Teachers Association—sparked immediate backlash from educators, parents, and local advocacy groups [^3]. The rescinded notices primarily affected classroom teachers, but the remaining 21 non-teacher roles (likely administrative, custodial, or support staff positions) reflect a more targeted cost-cutting approach.

What Positions Are Still at Risk?

While the school board did not release a public breakdown of the 21 remaining layoffs, historical patterns in similar districts suggest these roles may include:

• After-school program coordinators (a category previously flagged in Berkeley’s layoff notices [^4]).
• Custodial and maintenance staff (often outsourced or part-time roles).
• Specialized support roles, such as librarians, counselors, or IT technicians.

The distinction between "teacher" and "non-teacher" positions is critical: While classroom educators are unionized under the California Teachers Association (CTA), support staff often lack the same collective bargaining protections, making their roles more vulnerable in budget cuts.

What This Means for Berkeley’s Schools

1. A Temporary Reprieve—But Challenges Remain

The rescinded layoffs provide short-term relief for hundreds of educators, but the underlying financial pressures persist. Key questions remain:

• Will the district face further cuts later this year? Budget cycles in California often lead to mid-year adjustments.
• How will remaining layoffs impact student services? Support staff reductions can disproportionately affect special education, mental health programs, and after-school initiatives.

2. Political and Public Pressure

Berkeley’s decision comes amid growing scrutiny of education funding in California. Recent developments include:

• Proposals for a statewide education funding overhaul, including a parcel tax extension in Alameda County to supplement school budgets.
• Legal challenges to layoffs in other districts, where unions and advocacy groups have successfully argued that cuts violate state funding equity laws.

Local leaders, including Mayor Adena Ishii and Alameda County Supervisor Jesse Arreguín, have called for increased state investment in public schools, framing the issue as both an economic and equity priority [^5].

3. The Broader Context: California’s Education Funding Crisis

Berkeley is not alone. Across the state:

• Los Angeles Unified School District has proposed $1.2 billion in cuts for FY 2026–27 [^6].
• San Francisco schools faced $50 million in layoffs last year before partial reversals [^7].
• Rural districts in the Central Valley report teacher shortages and facility decay due to underfunding.

The California Department of Education projects that per-pupil spending will remain flat in 2026–27, despite rising enrollment [^8]. This stagnation forces districts to prioritize cuts in non-classroom areas—often where students need the most support.

What’s Next for Berkeley?

Immediate Steps

• The school board will hold public hearings in June to discuss the remaining layoffs and potential alternatives, such as furloughs, salary freezes, or contract renegotiations.
• The Berkeley Federation of Teachers (BFT), an affiliate of the CTA, has signaled it will monitor the process closely and may file complaints if layoffs proceed without proper justification under state law.

Long-Term Solutions

Experts and local officials are pushing for three key strategies:

1. Advocacy for State Funding Reform
   • Push for increased Proposition 98 funding (California’s constitutional guarantee for K–12 education).
   • Support local ballot measures like Alameda County’s proposed parcel tax extension.
2. Efficiency Measures
   • Consolidate administrative roles to reduce overhead.
   • Explore public-private partnerships for facility maintenance and technology upgrades.
3. Community Engagement
   • Involve parents and educators in budget prioritization to ensure cuts align with student needs.

FAQ: Key Questions About Berkeley’s Layoffs

Q: Why were non-teacher jobs targeted more than teacher positions?

A: Non-teacher roles (e.g., custodians, coordinators) are often non-unionized or part-time, making them easier to reduce without triggering collective bargaining disputes. Teacher layoffs, however, risk legal challenges under California’s Last In, First Out (LIFO) law, which protects senior educators.

Q: Could Berkeley face more layoffs later this year?

A: Yes. Many districts issue initial notices in spring but finalize cuts in fall, after state funding allocations are confirmed. The Canvas cyberattack and other unforeseen costs could also trigger additional reductions.

Q: How can parents and educators get involved?

A: Attend school board meetings (held monthly; check berkeley.net/schoolboard for schedules). Join advocacy groups like:

• Berkeley Federation of Teachers (berkeleyft.org)
• Alameda County Education Fund (alamedaedfund.org)

Q: Will this affect my child’s school?

A: Potential impacts include:

• Longer wait times for support services (e.g., counseling, library access).
• Reduced after-school programs, which are critical for low-income students.
• Facility maintenance delays if custodial staff are cut.

The Bottom Line: A Fight Over More Than Budgets

Berkeley’s layoff reversal is a microcosm of California’s education funding crisis. While the district has averted immediate job losses for most educators, the 21 remaining layoffs underscore a harsh reality: Public schools are caught between rising costs and stagnant funding.

For parents, educators, and policymakers, the next few months will be critical. The choices made now—whether to cut deeper, seek new revenue, or advocate for systemic change—will shape the future of Berkeley’s schools for years to come.

Sources & Further Reading

[^1]: California Budget & Policy Center – 2026 K–12 Funding Report [^2]: CalMatters – Canvas Cyberattack Impact on California Schools [^3]: California Teachers Association – 2026 Layoff Tracker [^4]: Berkeleyside – After-School Coordinators at Risk [^5]: Alameda County Office of Education – 2026 Funding Proposals [^6]: Los Angeles Unified School District – FY 2026–27 Budget Overview [^7]: San Francisco Unified School District – 2025 Layoff Reversals [^8]: California Department of Education – 2026–27 Budget Forecast

This article was verified against official district statements, state education reports, and union communications as of May 13, 2026.