Ft. Zumwalt projects net reduction of 16.5 positions for 2025–26; board approves staffing plan
Summary
District staff presented 2025–26 certified and support staff projections showing a net reduction of 16.5 positions — largely through attrition — and the board approved the staffing projection. Officials said changes are driven by enrollment trends and will be managed without layoffs.
The Ft. Zumwalt R‑II Board of Education approved staff projections for certified and support personnel for the 2025–26 school year that show a net reduction of 16.5 positions, primarily on the certified side of the payroll.
Henry (district staff) presented the annual projections and said the reductions are driven by a continuing gradual enrollment decline and the district’s staffing needs. The projections call for one fewer certified teacher at the elementary level, one fewer at the middle school level, a reduction in general education teachers at the high school level and a net reduction of four special education teachers across the district. Henry said all reductions would occur through attrition (transfers, resignations, retirements) and that no employee would be involuntarily terminated as a result of the projections.
Henry noted that K‑5 class sizes currently average under 20 students per class, and said the district consults DESE guidelines on recommended and minimum class sizes when building schedules. He also reminded the board that salary negotiations for 2026–27 are upcoming and that the district hopes to repurpose savings into salary and benefits where feasible.
A motion to approve the 2025–26 certified and support staff projections was moved by Mister Allen and seconded by Mister Cotton; the motion passed on a voice vote. Staff said schedules and staffing will continue to be refined through June and into the summer and that additions may still occur if enrollment changes warrant them (for example, adding a kindergarten section if enrollment rises).
