The union representing teachers in Springfield, Oregon has filed an unfair labor practice complaint, alleging that district leaders used mid-year layoffs to influence ongoing contract negotiations.
The Springfield Education Association submitted the complaint to the Oregon Employment Relations Board after Springfield Public Schools laid off 27 teachers in January.
Union claims layoffs used to pressure negotiations
District administrators previously told the school board that the approved budget did not include funding for cost-of-living increases for licensed staff and that layoffs were necessary to keep spending balanced.
However, the teachers union argues the district did not present sufficient evidence to support that claim. The complaint also accuses district officials of using intimidation tactics during negotiations and before the vote to ratify a new contract.
Union leaders say educators affected by the decision—including 27 laid-off teachers and two employees moved to part-time roles—were given very little notice before the layoffs were implemented.
Union seeks reinstatement and penalties
In its filing, the union asked the state labor board to reinstate the affected employees, determine that the district violated labor laws and impose financial penalties.
Union officials did not respond to requests for comment by the time the report was published.
School district responds to complaint
District spokesperson Brian Richardson said the school system could not discuss specific details of the complaint due to the ongoing legal process.
However, he said the district had consistently communicated the financial challenges tied to the 2025–26 budget, noting that the adopted operating budget assumed no cost-of-living adjustments for employee groups.
Richardson added that any pay increases negotiated through collective bargaining would need to fit within the existing budget.
Leadership tensions and district challenges
The layoffs come during a period of turmoil within the district’s leadership. Former superintendent Todd Hamilton and assistant superintendent David Collins had ongoing conflicts with some members of the school board before the staffing cuts.
Board members Jonathan Light and Ken Kohl were previously censured for policy violations, and disputes between administrators and board members escalated into legal claims.
Following the layoffs, community members began a recall campaign against Kohl and two other board members. Board chair Heather Quaas-Annsa later resigned, citing harassment, threats and ongoing dysfunction within the district.
Both Hamilton and Collins have since stepped down from their positions.
In February, the school board appointed Jodi O’Mara as acting superintendent.
Budget struggles affecting districts across Oregon
The union recently presented a vote of no confidence in district leadership at a school board meeting and urged officials to reinstate the laid-off staff while including educators and the community in future decisions about job cuts.
Springfield is not the only district in Oregon dealing with financial pressure.
Portland Public Schools recently announced mid-year spending reductions after identifying a $10 million budget gap, while the Eugene School District 4J plans to cut $30 million from next year’s budget. Other districts, including Bethel School District and Corvallis School District, are also considering school closures.
Officials say Springfield Public Schools expects to face another $10 million shortfall in the upcoming school year.
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