Why Schools Across the U.S Are Bracing for a Surge in Teacher Layoffs

By: Georgia | Published: May 12, 2024

As federal pandemic relief funds are set to dry up by September’s end, schools across the U.S. are grappling with the inevitable budget shortfalls that come next.

The already tough situation is made worse by declining enrollments and rising costs, creating a perfect storm that may lead to numerous teacher layoffs.

Bracing for Budget Cuts

As this school year winds down, districts are nervously setting their budgets for the next, with layoff notices already going out to some teachers and staff.

A vibrant classroom scene where multiple young students are eagerly raising their hands as a teacher stands by the blackboard which has mathematical equations written on it

Source: gpointstudio/freepik

These financial strains aren’t just numbers on a page—they’re real issues that are making headlines and adding to the broader economic concerns many Americans are feeling.

A Tough Call in Missoula

In Missoula, Montana, the school district faces the tough decision of cutting 46 jobs, including teachers and key administrators like the special education and fine arts directors.

A brightly lit classroom showing empty desks with stacks of books and a blue school bag hanging on a chair

Source: freepik

Superintendent Micah Hill captured the severity of the situation, saying, “The last time that MCPS saw these types of reductions was almost a generation ago.”

Arlington’s Difficult Decisions

Arlington, Texas is facing similar challenges, needing to eliminate 275 school district positions previously funded by federal aid.

A diverse group of young students sitting on the floor, looking attentively towards a teacher who is reading from a book

Source: CDC/Unsplash

This includes roles vital for after-school care, tutoring, and mental health. Those impacted have been offered a chance to apply for other positions, but the uncertainty remains high.

Hartford's Harsh Realities

CNN reports that the impact is stark in Hartford, Connecticut, where 30 teachers and 79 staff have been told they’re out of a job.

A classroom with students focused on a male guest speaker who is explaining a concept, using a projector screen displaying the words "TIME FOR 101"

Source: LexScope/Unsplash

Superintendent Leslie Torres-Rodriguez has pointed out that these tough decisions are due to “a long-term problem that has been exacerbated by the ESSER cliff,” referring to the end of emergency relief funds.

Pandemic Aid Winds Down

At the onset of COVID-19, the federal government released $190 billion to support K-12 schools—funds meant to ensure safe reopenings and address interruptions in learning.

A young girl with long curly hair sitting at a home study desk, raising her fists in a triumphant gesture while looking at a laptop screen

Source: Annie Spratt/Unsplash

Now, as this support concludes, schools must navigate the aftermath without this financial safety net.

Uncertain Future for Funded Positions

School districts once had the flexibility to use pandemic aid for various urgent needs, including hiring new staff.

A long, empty school hallway with polished floors reflecting the overhead lights, lockers on one side and classroom doors on the other

Source: kyo azuma/Unsplash

However, with the termination of this funding, the sustainability of these positions is now in jeopardy, leaving many to wonder about the future of these roles.

Job Creation and Its Implications

A study by CALDER highlighted the significant impact of federal funds, with around 12,000 jobs created in Washington state alone, including over 5,000 teaching positions.

A view from behind a student's head looking towards a middle school teacher who is standing and speaking to a class of attentive students

Source: Taylor Flowe/Unsplash

Dan Goldhaber, a researcher, said, “Those are people that would not have been hired if that extra funding did not exist,” pointing out the temporary nature of these jobs.

A Nationwide Concern

While some districts have been adding roles, particularly in specialized areas, the broader picture shows a potential for massive job cuts.

A young boy and a woman sitting side by side in a library, reading a book together, with shelves full of books in the background

Source: Adam Winger/Unsplash

Education analyst Chad Aldeman suggests that reverting to pre-pandemic staffing levels could lead to as many as 384,000 layoffs, illustrating the scale of the potential impact.

Most Vulnerable Hit Hardest

The distribution of pandemic aid, akin to Title I funding, means that schools serving higher proportions of low-income families got more financial help.

A young girl focused on writing in a workbook at a desk filled with educational materials

Source: Jason Sung/Unsplash

With the drying up of these funds, such schools face the most severe fiscal challenges, potentially resulting in deep cuts that disproportionately affect already vulnerable communities.

Rethinking Layoff Criteria

The common practice of using seniority as the main criterion for layoffs may need reevaluation.

Three young boys sitting on a couch in a classroom setting, each absorbed in reading different books

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Heather Peske from the National Council on Teacher Quality argues for a focus on performance, saying, “It’s better if districts approach layoffs with the performance of teachers in mind,” to ensure quality education continues despite budget cuts.

Protecting Essential Educational Roles

Amidst these financial cutbacks, it is crucial to protect positions in critical areas like math and special education, where shortages are already prevalent.

A teacher leaning over to assist three young female students who are analyzing or working on a newspaper project in a well-lit classroom

Source: senivpetro/freepik

The decisions made now about which positions to retain will shape the educational opportunities of students for years to come, emphasizing the need for thoughtful planning.