Antioch School District Faces Hundreds of Layoffs

- The Antioch Unified School District is grappling with a projected $30 million budget deficit over the next two years. This financial challenge is attributed to a combination of factors, including the expiration of one-time COVID-19 relief funds, a decline in student enrollment, and an increase in operational costs such as staff salaries, benefits, and expenses for special education. - In response to the budget shortfall, the school board has approved a plan that could lead to the layoff of nearly 300 employees. The proposed reductions include 104 certificated staff members, which encompasses teachers and counselors, and approximately 193 classified staff positions, such as paraeducators and custodians. - The board of trustees voted 3-2 to authorize sending out preliminary layoff notices by March 15, 2026. This decision has been met with significant concern from parents and staff, particularly regarding the potential impact on special education services and the district's compliance with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). - Due to the district's financial instability, the Contra Costa County Office of Education has downgraded its budget certification to "qualified." This status indicates that the district may not be able to meet its financial obligations for the current or subsequent two fiscal years and has initiated a review by the state's Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT). - As part of its effort to find new revenue streams, the district is considering placing a parcel tax on the November ballot. This measure could potentially generate an estimated $5 million annually for the district. - The school district and its teachers' union, the Antioch Education Association, have been in negotiations over salary and benefits. In December 2025, a tentative agreement was reached for a 2.3% salary increase for the 2025-2026 school year, retroactive to July 1, 2025. - Amid the budget crisis, the school board voted in January 2026 to increase their own monthly stipends from $400 to $2,000. This decision has drawn criticism from the community as the district faces substantial layoffs and service cuts. - Student attendance has been identified as a key area for potential revenue improvement. The district's current average daily attendance is between 90-91%, down from pre-pandemic levels of 93-94%. Each percentage point increase in attendance could bring in significant additional funding.