Sacramento City Unified Budget Woes: 200 Teachers to Get the Axe

Sacramento City Unified will fire nearly 200 teachers as it seeks to close a $35 million budget gap and avoid a state takeover. Final approval of the cuts are expected this week after an administrative judge cleared the way, rejecting a legal challenge from the teachers union. The layoffs will take place on July 1, 2019.

“Decisions that result in our district losing dedicated staff members are not easy,” Superintendent Jorge Aguilar said in a statement. “Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to maintain our current staffing levels due to our fiscal crisis and declining enrollment. We are committed to helping our staff during this challenging transition.”

Board President Jessie Ryan lamented the impact on the community but said the district remains committed to avoiding a state takeover.

Sacramento City Unified’s actions come as the teachers union prepares for a second walkout, tentatively scheduled for May 22. A one-day strike also took place on April 11.