Cleveland School District Faces Layoffs Amid Closures, Union and Officials Urge Collaboration
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) is preparing to issue layoff notices to staff members in April, following the planned closure of 29 schools next year. The announcement, made in a joint statement by CMSD CEO Warren Morgan and Cleveland Teachers Union (CTU) President Shari Obrenski, has sparked concerns among educators and the community.
The layoffs, described as a “last resort,” are expected to impact both teaching and administrative staff, including positions at the CMSD Central Office. Notifications are set to be issued by April 14, with the staffing process officially beginning on April 15.
In their statement, Morgan and Obrenski acknowledged the challenges facing the district, emphasizing their commitment to minimizing the number of layoffs and supporting affected employees. “Over the last few months, CMSD and the CTU have worked together to address one of the most difficult challenges our district has faced in recent memory,” the statement read. “While CTU believes layoffs are unnecessary at this time, we are committed to working together to reduce their impact.”
The district has already reduced the initial number of projected layoffs through ongoing discussions and plans to explore further opportunities to lessen the impact. Employees affected by the layoffs will receive verbal notices from school leaders, along with written notification letters detailing transition resources and support.
“We are committed to ensuring that no one navigates this transition alone,” the statement added. “Our goal is to help every impacted employee find a path forward, whether that is within CMSD, across the region, or beyond.”
The announcement has caused widespread anxiety among staff, their families, and the broader community. CMSD and the CTU acknowledged the emotional toll of the decision but stressed the need for transparency during a challenging period. “These are complicated times that require difficult choices and empathy,” the statement noted. “While CMSD does not have all the answers at this moment, this announcement is made in the spirit of transparency.”
The layoffs come as part of broader efforts to address the district’s financial and operational challenges, including declining enrollment and the closure of nearly 30 schools. The district has faced criticism in recent years for budget shortfalls and the need to streamline operations.
As CMSD prepares to implement these changes, the collaboration between district leadership and the CTU remains a focal point. Both parties have pledged to honor their commitments and prioritize the well-being of staff and students.
Further details about the layoffs and transition support will be announced in the coming weeks.
— Reported by Nexio News
