CVUSD Moves Forward With Job Cuts as Part of $25.4M Budget Reduction Plan

The Coachella Valley Unified School District voted Thursday night to move forward with staff layoffs, advancing a three-year, $25.4 million budget-stabilization plan to its next stage.

The board had originally approved the plan on February 12. Thursday's vote directed the district to begin formal layoff proceedings — a step Superintendent Frances Esparza warned could affect 29 to 30 employees, though the resolution passed identifies up to 44 full-time positions for potential elimination.

The bulk of the cuts target classroom teachers. The district identified reductions of 30 elementary school teaching positions, plus two English teachers, two biology teachers, one math teacher, one social studies teacher, one physical education teacher, and one Spanish teacher. A Head Start preschool teacher and a BTSA and PAR consultant teacher — roles focused on mentoring and supporting newer educators — are also on the list, along with one district support counselor.

On the administrative side, the district is looking to cut three coordinator positions: College and Career, Early Learners, and Migrant Programs.

Not everyone is equally at risk. The district says it will protect certain teachers from layoff regardless of seniority, including special education teachers, dual-language instructors, and TK teachers with specialized early childhood credentials.

The cuts are spread across three school years: around $9.4 million in 2026–27, followed by $8 million each in 2027–28 and 2028–29. The district says the reductions are necessary to address an ongoing budget shortfall. No final decisions on specific employees have been announced — layoff notices must be issued before March 15.