Special education cuts in Santa Clara County raise concerns for students, teachers

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS in Santa Clara County are at a tipping point following a recent round of layoffs — on top of massive cuts last year that left educators managing larger classes of students with serious medical and behavioral needs.

Due to declining enrollment, the Santa Clara County Office of Education plans to cut eight classes for preschoolers, the “medically fragile” and other special education students across six schools in the upcoming 2026-27 school year. That translates to about 31 layoffs, according to union leaders. Sources who spoke to San José Spotlight on condition of anonymity said the number could be higher as preliminary layoffs are planned in other departments, as well as at Walden West summer camp, which is closing temporarily for renovations.