East Side Union High School District’s board of education is set to vote Thursday night on a proposal that could result in the layoff of dozens of staff members dedicated to protecting students’ mental health, well-being, and safety.
The proposed cuts, which the district’s teachers union estimates at about $6.5 million, would eliminate around 85 full-time positions. This includes eight counselors, seven social workers, and five campus safety advisors, as well as several wellness center clerks, parent outreach coordinators, special education teachers, and others.
The vote comes as the district faces insolvency and a $9 million budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year. However, educators warn that these cuts would severely impact the district’s most vulnerable students, who rely heavily on the staff and services at risk.
Jack Hamner, president of the East Side Teachers Association, highlighted the challenges facing students in the district, noting that 70% are English language learners, homeless, foster youth, or come from low-income families. “Those are some severely needy kids. They need their support systems more than ever,” Hamner said. “The positions they’re cutting are the mental health and wellness services that our kids desperately need.”
Roberta Cabigas, an advisor at James Lick High School, described her role as ensuring every student’s safety. “We are responsible for everyone’s well-being,” she said. “We’re kind of like a clearinghouse for problems. If kids don’t feel safe, they don’t learn.”
With 28 years of experience in the district, Cabigas handles a wide range of responsibilities—from tracking daily attendance and supporting struggling students to breaking up fights and responding to intruders on campus. “I teach my kids’ kids at this point. They’re like my grandkids,” she shared. “A couple of my kids have come back to me with shocking stories saying ‘yeah, you saved my life that day.’”
Currently, Cabigas and one other advisor are responsible for about 800 students on campus. If the proposed cuts are approved, she could be responsible for over 1,100 students and would be expected to split her time between campuses. “It’s going to be violence out there,” Cabigas warned. “Who’s going to respond to it?”
Social workers, counselors, and school safety advisors have expressed concern that the cuts would threaten the district’s wellness center facilities. These are safe spaces where students can de-stress and access vital mental health services. Staff say the layoffs would also double workloads, increase wait times for services, and limit the number of students who can receive help.
One counselor in the district, speaking anonymously due to fear of professional retaliation, said she and seven other counselors face job losses if the cuts move forward. More importantly, she warned that students would lose access to regular academic planning, course selection guidance, financial aid assistance, and college application support—critical during a time of immense fear and uncertainty for many families.
“I’ve had students who come in worried about their future. I have first-generation students who are concerned about what next year looks like,” the counselor said. “Kids don’t schedule their crisis. And if that counselor’s not there, they need to find someone else—and everyone is stretched thin.”
East Side Union High School District is not alone in grappling with severe budget shortfalls. Across the Bay Area, school districts face multimillion-dollar deficits and difficult choices about cutting programs, laying off staff, or closing schools to remain financially solvent.
Oakland Unified School District currently faces a $50 million budget deficit for the 2026-27 school year. Meanwhile, Alum Rock Union School District and Franklin-McKinley School District turned to school closures last year in attempts to tackle $20 million deficits.
Hamner acknowledged the need for budget cuts but urged a more balanced approach. “We’re not asking them to not cut anything, but we’re asking them to wise up and take some reduction on administrators,” he said. “We’re supposed to be student-centered and focused on what our students need.”
The board meeting will take place at 6 p.m. and will be held both online and in person at 830 N Capitol Avenue.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/01/22/east-san-jose-school-district-to-vote-on-layoffs-for-student-safety-mental-health-staff/
