Teachers, parents and unions urge Santa Clara Unified board to pause layoffs after harmful rollout

Dozens of teachers, union leaders and parents urged the Santa Clara Unified School District Board of Trustees on Thursday to pause or rescind recently issued layoff notices, arguing errors from the district's human resources office and a rushed process have needlessly harmed staff and undermined trust.

"We are not in crisis," said UTSC union representative Miss Waisaki, who urged the district to consider alternatives such as a supplemental employment retirement plan. CSEA president Miss Alcon described the last two weeks of layoff meetings as "a professional catastrophe," saying employees discovered their names on layoff lists before they were notified and that many received incorrect, confusing packets.

Superintendent Damon Wright acknowledged the errors in his superintendent's report, apologized to affected staff and said he was taking responsibility for the process. "I've said that I own this process," Wright said, and announced changes including hiring new legal counsel and instituting 'critical friends' protocols in executive cabinet meetings to help review sensitive materials.

Public commenters recounted a range of harms they said followed the district's rollout: teachers said they were pulled from classrooms for brief meetings and then forced to teach the remainder of the day, registrars described being presented with incomplete packets, and parents warned that cuts would destabilize dual language immersion and special education supports.

Several speakers asked trustees why the district would proceed with mass layoffs while carrying large reserve balances and substantial restricted carryover funds. Teachers and parents suggested alternatives such as a hiring freeze, phased cuts, or voluntary retirement incentives. Ian Jackson, a union member, pointed to a board presentation showing that a hiring freeze alone could allow reserves to recover over several years without layoffs.

Board members acknowledged the depth of public concern. Trustee Watanabe cast a lone vote against approving the district's second interim report earlier in the meeting; other trustees emphasized that many funding sources are legally restricted and that the board must follow state law and the county's fiduciary review process.

The board did not reverse previously approved layoff resolutions during the meeting. Wright and district leaders did not announce a new timeline for rescinding notices; Wright said staff will continue to refine procedures and communications.

The board adjourned at 10:15 p.m.