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Mesa Public Schools announce layoffs for next year
Arizona's largest school district, Mesa Public Schools, announced they will layoff 147 positions due to budget cuts and declining enrollment.
MESA, Ariz. - Mesa Public Schools, Arizona's largest school district, announced they are laying off 147 positions for the next school year.
Among the layoffs, three administrators will be let go as the school manages what they expect will be a reduction in enrollment by 1,800 students.
The school district is also adjusting to a budget reduction of nearly $18 million.
What they're saying:
"Despite these obstacles, our commitment to delivering on our promise remains steadfast: to know every student by name, serve them by strength and need, and ensure they graduate ready for college, career, and community," Mesa Public Schools said in a press release.
The district also said they had 1,100 more seniors than kindergartners and noted an 18% decline in statewide birth rates as a contributing factor to the budget reductions and personnel cuts.
Local perspective:
In Mesa, birthrates have declined by 28%.
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"Compounding these challenges are decreasing state and federal funding, including the expiration of Prop 123 in July 2025, and rising operational costs," the release stated.
Dig deeper:
In addition, the school district will eliminate 42 certified staff members.
All employees will receive several months notice before their termination.
The district said that they "carefully evaluated all resources, staffing levels, and organizational structures to align with our district goals."