Mesa Public Schools announces staffing cuts

The largest public school district in our state announced some tough decisions ahead of the next school year.

The Mesa Public Schools (MPS) Superintendent says it will have to eliminate positions.

"Please know this is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make," Mesa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis said.

It announced staffing cuts amid declining enrollment and a decrease in federal and state funding.

Dr. Andi Fourlis says the district estimates a decline of 1,800 students next school year, and funding is dependent on enrollment numbers.

Fewer students means less money.

"Nearly 90% of our expenses are dedicated to paying our talented and hard-working staff. Because of this, we must make the heartbreaking decision to eliminate some positions throughout the district," Dr. Fourlis said.

The staffing cuts announcement comes as the Arizona Legislature convenes. Leaders in both parties said education would be a priority this session.

Dr. Fourlis says Mesa is estimating budget cuts of nearly $18 million for the 2025-2026 school year.

"These decisions are not a reflection of anyone's dedication or worth, but rather a necessity to ensure the long term stability of our schools," she said.

Staff impacted will find out if their position is eliminated by Feb. 7.

"Our goal is to provide support and adequate time for impacted staff to plan their next steps whether they are with Mesa Public Schools or beyond," the superintendent said.

‘I have always believed in MPS …’

On Jan. 14, we learned details of the district's proposed cuts during a school board meeting.

The cuts could include 4th, 5th and 6th grade music programs.

"I'm a music teacher, and I'm a mother of five children. I have always believed in MPS, but this week has been really difficult," said Julie Willis, a music teacher at Las Sendas Elementary, who is also an MPS parent.

Mesa Public Schools announced 144 full-time employees and three administrative employees could face layoffs this fall.

"I love my job. I love my job a lot. It's hard to imagine loving another job this much when I'm spread and not getting to see my students as much as I do now," said Rachel Gunderson, a music teacher at Eisenhower Center for Innovation.

‘There is no more singing, according to the plan’

"I don't know if I have a job today. I don't know if I have a job. I don't know how it's going to affect my job. I don't know if I'll be part-time. I don't know if I'll be at multiple schools," Willis said.

District leaders proposed eliminating 4th, 5th, and 6th grade music programs.

"In fourth, fifth, and sixth grade, there is no more singing, according to the plan that they have set out, and I was notified of today," Willis said.

She's concerned about her own children's education, too.

"I'm not sure if my children will continue going to MPS because they will not have the music education that has been our tradition and our standard in the past," she said.

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