This is happening in NJ as well; Christie’s property tax caps are preventing the teachers’ unions from screwing us 5-10% annually with increases, so after non-teaching positions were eliminated they started cutting the teachers themselves (in some districts even eating into tenured ranks with the least seniority).
It is generally sad when layoffs are announced, but not with teachers; they are the funding tool of the Democratic Party, transferring taxpayer funds directly to their candidates, and are the de facto owners of the party itself.
This is why Walker’s reforms were so effective. The unions are by law unable to drive wages up annually. The economics were so powerful that many school districts were able to hire additional teachers — who didn’t have to pay dues.
in my area, teachers are “laid” off in June....they apply and get unemployment and then just like magic, their positions are restored....nice little racket...