East San Jose School District to Lay Off Over 80 Workers Amid Deficit, Enrollment Drop

California — East Side Union High School District is laying off employees as it faces a budget deficit and declining student enrollment. The district is giving pink slips to more than 80 workers, with layoffs taking effect at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. The decision follows a vote by the school board in late January amid a projected $30 million budget deficit. The loss of one-time federal COVID dollars and a drop in enrollment from 23,336 students in 2017-18 to 19,141 in 2025-26 led to this decision, Superintendent Glenn Vander Zee said.

Why it matters: These layoffs highlight the critical intersection of budgetary pressures and educational support services, particularly for a district serving a high percentage of vulnerable students. With the loss of essential staff, the capacity to address the needs of low-income, homeless, and foster youth is severely compromised.

What to watch:

The impact of these layoffs on student support services and academic outcomes.
Community responses and potential measures to mitigate the effects of budget cuts.
Future enrollment trends and their implications for district funding.

Key figures:

Glenn Vander Zee, Superintendent — oversees district operations and budget management amidst financial challenges.
Jack Hammer, President of the East Side Teachers Association — advocates for the preservation of critical support roles within the district.
Julio Pardo, President of the East Foothills chapter of the California School Employees Association — represents the interests of classified staff affected by layoffs.

Source credibility: Local News Matters is a reliable news outlet focusing on community issues, with a commitment to thorough reporting and accountability.

Published: March 20, 2026 2:00 AM

Source: Local News Matters — https://go.noligarchy.us/Z520N2