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Dearborn officials cite state budget uncertainty; say layoffs not expected at this time
Summary
Superintendent said state and federal funding remain uncertain and the district is planning for scenarios, but does not anticipate widespread layoffs now; union leaders said teachers feel heard after increased collaboration.
Dearborn City School District Superintendent Dr. Glenn Malayko told the board Monday that the district is operating amid continued uncertainty in state and federal budgeting but does not expect widespread teacher layoffs at this time.
"Again, we don't know for a 100% because a lot of things are changing," Dr. Malayko said, noting that Title I appears stable for now but federal Title II, III and IV funding remain uncertain. He told the board that the district must finalize a budget by June 30 but that the state budget had not been completed.
The comments came as trustees raised community concern about rumors of teacher layoffs. "There's rumors of teacher layoffs, and I think it's exaggerated," Trustee Aljamini said, asking for clarification. Dr. Malayko responded that the district has planned multiple scenarios and has relied on attrition to reduce staffing where possible. "I don't anticipate any other layoffs because we have a balanced budget, but we do plan for multiple scenarios," he said, adding that two personnel actions related to certification issues had occurred.
Kathy Martin, speaking for the Dearborn Federation of Teachers, said teachers "are feeling very hopeful that their voices are being heard" after a year of more regular collaboration with administration. Board members and staff described ongoing advocacy with state lawmakers; Dr. Malayko said some items favorable to the district are included in the state senate budget but not in the house plan.
The board and union leaders urged constituents to contact state legislators as negotiations continue in Lansing and in Washington, noting that final budget decisions at the state and federal level would determine whether any further staffing reductions are needed. Dr. Malayko also said the district is pursuing targeted advocacy and statewide committees focused on English-language learner funding and other priorities.
The board did not take any formal budget vote at the meeting; the superintendent said staff will return with updates as the state and federal budget processes move forward.
