The Santa Ana Unified School District (USD) is in the midst of significant budget cuts, leading to the potential layoff of nearly 400 staff members, including teachers and counselors. Among those affected is Noelle Carney Campbell, who was recently named Teacher of the Year.
The district is grappling with a nearly $200 million budget deficit, prompting the layoffs. According to FOX 11, the district began notifying employees of their termination last week. The layoffs have sparked community protests, with demonstrators wearing shirts and holding signs that read "I am not a number" and "I have a name."
Campbell expressed her dismay in a social media post, questioning how a Teacher of the Year could be laid off. She told FOX 11, "I'm devastated. This is my dream job. Santa Ana is the lowest income, highest minority population school district in Orange County. We don't need to be cutting services, we need to be increasing services."
The district's financial struggles are largely due to declining enrollment, as many families are moving to more affordable areas in central California, the Inland Empire, or out of state entirely. Ron Hacker, the district's Chief Business Officer, noted that this migration is a significant factor in the budget shortfall.
As the district continues to face financial challenges, more layoffs are expected in the coming weeks. The community remains vocal in its opposition to the cuts, emphasizing the need for increased support rather than reductions.
