Tempe Elementary board approves elimination of five district-office positions and freeze on four hires

The Tempe Elementary School District governing board voted March 5, 2025, to eliminate five positions at the district office and place hiring freezes on four other positions as part of a reorganization aimed at reducing costs.

District administration presented the proposal, citing declining student enrollment and reduced federal dollars as reasons for the action. Dr. James Driscoll, district administrator, told the board the measure was intended to “streamline our costs so as to remain fiscally responsible and to assist with future budget years.”

If the board approved the item, Driscoll said, “the district will work with any staff member affected to facilitate interviews for any open positions for which they are qualified. All potentially affected staff will remain employed throughout this school year.” He added that the job duties of affected positions would be redistributed among existing staff, including himself, in the next school year.

Board members moved and seconded the motion and approved it by voice vote. The board did not identify the specific job titles or the names of affected employees during the meeting.

The board noted the district is not currently compelled to conduct a reduction in force for certificated teachers, a step some neighboring districts have taken. Beyond the staffing counts and the district's pledge to assist affected employees in seeking other openings, the meeting record does not specify timelines for when the eliminations or freezes will take effect or which divisions will absorb the duties.

The district said it will continue to work directly with affected staff and will provide additional details in subsequent staff and board communications.