Santa Monica College approves dozens of layoffs to target shortfalls
Ben Unglesbee
February 9, 2026
The California public institution is struggling with a persistent structural deficit as well as recent and long-term enrollment declines.
Dive Brief:
Santa Monica College is set to lay off some 60 staff members as well as eliminate the equivalent of about 10 vacant positions after a vote by its board of trustees on Tuesday.
Additionally, the California community college’s board approved measures that would also open any of the college’s classified management and academic administrator roles to potential elimination as it restructures.
The cuts come as Santa Monica College tackles a growing structural deficit that could balloon to nearly $17.5 million next fiscal year and nearly wipe out its financial reserves.
