San Francisco Facing Mass Teacher Layoffs

Up to 900 teachers and administrators in San Francisco could be laid off following a vote of the school board. District officials have until a state-imposed March 15 deadline to decide whether the layoffs will be needed to close a $113-million budget deficit the system is facing over the next two years.

Last year, the district sent out 500 layoff notices that were later rescinded because additional funding was found. However, Superintendent Carlos Garcia told local media the situation this year is more dire and at least some of those that receive notices will eventually have to go.

The San Francisco school district serves 55,000 students. The budget deficit is largely the result of a decline in state funding, officials said.