Santa Ana Unified School District faces controversy after voting to lay off nearly 300 employees due to a $187 million budget shortfall.

Santa Ana United School District approved laying up more than 200 teachers. SANTA ANA, Calif. - Parents and educators rallied outside the Santa Ana Unified School District headquarters, protesting proposed layoffs before heading inside to voice their concerns directly to board members.

The Santa Ana Unified School District approved layoffs that will hit nearly 300 employees during a vote on Friday night. The layoffs, which were long speculated, come as the district implements what it calls a Fiscal Stabilization Plan.

SAUSD’s board made the decision in a 4-1 vote late Friday night, citing declining enrollment and a loss of pandemic relief funds for the district’s budget woes.