Fresno Unified proceeds with layoffs, says it can’t support current staff levels
Fresno Unified trustees have given the green light to move forward with the school district’s proposed layoffs and “bumps” ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
The board approved two resolutions to reduce or eliminate certain certificated and classified roles during a special meeting Monday afternoon.
Certificated positions require a degree and can include positions such as teachers or counselors. Classified roles do not require a degree and may include paraprofessionals, custodians and others.
A total of 78 certificated positions were included in the first resolution — such as 22 school counselors, 19 preschool teachers, nine vice principals and seven nurses. David Chavez, chief of human resources, said the positions were being eliminated due to lack of work or lack of funds.
During an administrative hearing to justify its proposed reduction of classified employees, the district highlighted its projected deficit for the upcoming school year and said it doesn’t have the funds to maintain current staffing levels.
The judge agreed with the district’s argument, and a total of 196 classified employees were then slated to receive a final notice of layoff, displacement or reduction.
With the board adopting the resolutions, Chavez said the layoff and “bumping” process begins now. Rather than getting laid off, a “bumped” employee can have the option to transition to a similar, open role — or one that’s held by someone with less seniority. The less-senior employee then goes through the “bumping” process themselves.
When it gets to the point where an employee can no longer be bumped into a similar position, Chavez said the district is committed to offering any fully-benefitted employee the chance to stay at the district — though they may be “displaced” or need to accept a pay cut to do so.
The bumping process applies to all fully-benefitted employees in Fresno Unified, Chavez said.
The conversation came into public view in February when the district announced plans to potentially lay off 274 employees — 84 certificated, and 190 classified. An additional 49 classified positions were impacted before the district sent preliminary notices out on March 15.
The district’s projected budget deficit for the upcoming school year currently sits at $88 million — a 49% increase from February.
This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 1:21 PM with the headline "Fresno Unified proceeds with layoffs, says it can’t support current staff levels."
