Washington Unified amends layoffs to preserve school social workers after public outcry

The Washington Unified School District Board of Education on Monday moved ahead with a resolution to reduce particular certificated services for the 2026–27 school year but removed three school social worker positions from the list after an extended public comment period.

The board considered a resolution (listed in the agenda as adoption of resolution 2526‑45) that initially proposed reductions including three full-time equivalent certificated coordinators, three full-time teachers on special assignment (math, English learners and instructional technology) and three full‑time school social workers. After more than a dozen speakers urged the board to preserve mental‑health supports, the board amended the resolution to delete the three social worker positions and then adopted the amended measure by voice vote.

Why it matters: Speakers during public comment told trustees that school social workers provide crisis assessment, counseling and family follow-up that cannot be replicated by other staff. Patty Mora, a school social worker, told the board, “If you vote tonight to eliminate three school social workers, you are not simply cutting positions — you are removing trained professionals who conduct risk assessments, build safety plans and coordinate care.” Several teachers and parents warned that removing dedicated social‑work staff would increase risks to students and shift burdens onto classroom teachers.

The district presentation of the resolution noted it is required by the Education Code process for reductions in particular kinds of certificated service and that the district would send required notices and offer hearings in reverse order of seniority. The district said notices to affected employees will be sent on or before March 15 and a final list of affected individuals will be presented to the board in May.

What passed: The amended resolution, as presented and then altered on the floor, was moved by Clerk Hunt and seconded by Trustee Wong and carried by the trustees present. Trustees cited the need to balance fiscal responsibility and legal obligations with community input and priorities.

Public reaction and context: Multiple members of the Washington Teachers Association and classroom teachers criticized the district’s plan to budget $500 per day for substitute teachers in the event of a strike, arguing the money could instead fund existing staff. Teacher Andy Hook said, “I work for a district that can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for consultants and speakers, but we can't afford to pay our social workers who save children's lives every day.” Board members said they heard those comments and some amended motions reflected that public pressure.

Next steps: The district will follow the legal notice timelines required by the Education Code and return to the board with names for final ratification in May. The adopted resolution sets positions to be reduced (as amended) and directs district staff to carry out the notice and hearing process under state law.