Teachers cut. Schools closing. Who’s running this?
Palm Beach County schools cut 244 positions after the district’s 11-day enrollment count. That includes 214 teachers, 24 support staff, and 6 administrators. Enrollment in district-run K-12 schools fell by 5,990 from last year. District leaders cite declining enrollment, shrinking state funding, the high cost of living, and the expansion of the Family Empowerment Scholarship program. The district froze hiring. More cuts are planned in the Fiscal Year 2028 budget.
Families are seeing fewer adults in their children’s schools.
Oregon’s second-largest district, Salem-Keizer, plans to close 8 elementary schools before the 2026-27 year. In North Carolina’s Wake County, the school board is weighing cuts to close a funding gap created by new state-mandated salary increases and bonuses. State leaders set rules or expand programs without steady funding, and districts get stuck slashing to make the math work.
Schools are cutting staff and closing campuses.
Families feel it first: fewer teachers and support staff, fewer neighborhood schools, and hiring on hold while needs rise.
You do not have to sign up for any party to expect competent budgeting. If the people in charge cannot keep schools staffed and open, replace them with people who can. The 2026 midterms are the chance to choose leaders who fund the basics and stop this cycle.
- Ask your state lawmaker how they will fund mandates and programs without forcing school cuts
- Show up at your next school board meeting and ask what these cuts mean for your child’s campus
- Vote in 2026 to replace the officials who let basic school staffing and services fall apart
- Check your voter registration at Vote.gov
Countdown
The 2026 midterms are in 38 days.
References
With 7,000 fewer students, Palm Beach County Schools face less state funding, budget cuts – WLRN – Aug 28, 2026
Wake school board weighs budget cuts aimed at closing a funding gap created by new state-mandated salary increases and bonuses – ABC11 News – Aug 18, 2026
Salem-Keizer Public Schools looks to $46 million in budget cuts – Salem Reporter – Sep 22, 2026