UPDATE: On Tuesday, February 11, Mesa Public Schools officials announced that 147 district-level positions will be eliminated for next school year due to a decline in student enrollment which directly affects funding and staffing levels.
The eliminated jobs include three administrative roles and a reduction in force of 42.2 certified staff members. The impacted staff members will receive several months' notice, resources such as resume support and mock interviews, and opportunities to apply for other roles within the district, according to a statement.
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Mesa Public Schools announced that the district would be laying off some of its staff members last month, and employees are expected to be notified no later than Friday.
Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis said in a video posted online last month that, due to declining student enrollment, decreased funding, and rising operational costs, some positions will be eliminated throughout the district for the 2025-2026 year.
District and school leaders were reportedly notified about which positions would be impacted and those details were set to be shared with staff no later than February 7.
Dr. Fourlis says 90% of the district’s expenses go toward paying staff members. Mesa Public Schools expects there to be 1,800 fewer students enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year, meaning decreased funding for the district.
Virginia Pond, a music teacher in the Mesa School District, fears the arts will be on the chopping block.
"Fourth, fifth, [and] sixth graders would receive one section less of music a week and that's something that Mesa public schools is known for, their prioritization of music... I know it's an impossible situation to be able to look at a whole budget and figure out how to prioritize the best things for kids," Pond said, ahead of Tuesday's school board meeting.
Kelly Berg, president of the Mesa Education Association, attended Tuesday night's study session with the School Board following news of layoffs.
"All year long they've been providing information on the budget, so it's not surprising. I just really had hoped we'd be able to get through one more year without drastic cuts," Berg said. "There are going to be some positions that are going to be cut and some positions where teachers will need to involuntarily transfer, moved to a different site."
No further details were immediately available, but Mesa Public Schools sent the following statement to ABC15:
"Like many districts across Arizona and the nation, Mesa Public Schools is experiencing declining enrollment, which directly affects funding and staffing levels. This year, the district has 1,100 more seniors than incoming kindergarteners, a trend mirrored by an 18% statewide decline in birth rates over the last decade and a 28% decline in the City of Mesa. Next year, Mesa Public Schools is projecting a decline of 1,800 students enrolled. Compounding these challenges are decreasing state and federal funding, including the expiration of Prop 123 in July 2025, and rising operational costs.
"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. To sustain this vision, Mesa Public Schools has carefully evaluated all resources, staffing levels, and organizational structures to align with our district goals. This includes prioritizing safe learning environments and exploring flexible staffing models to lead student success.
"Nearly 90% of our budget supports our dedicated employees, whose contributions are deeply valued. However, necessary budget reductions of nearly $18 million requires eliminating some positions for the 2025-26 school year. Impacted staff will receive several months' notice, resources such as resume support and mock interviews, and opportunities to apply for other roles within the district.
"We are committed to resilience during this challenging time, ensuring our students continue to receive high-quality education and support."
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Other districts around the Valley have been grappling with declining student enrollment, school closures, and other issues.
ABC15 recently reported on Phoenix Elementary School District voting to not renew a lease for Arizona State University Preparatory Academy, the approved closure of five Roosevelt School District schools, and West Valley bus driver shortages.
The Cave Creek Unified School District was also considering possibly closing two schools. The Kyrene Elementary School District is forming a committee to look at “long-range” planning as enrollment declines.
