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Mesa board approves certified reduction in force for 2025–26 amid budget shortfall
Summary
The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board approved a certified reduction in force for the 2025–26 school year. The vote authorizes administrators to proceed with staffing reductions; specific positions and final counts will be set through school staffing submissions and human resources processes.
The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board approved a certified reduction in force (RIF) for the 2025–26 school year after a lengthy meeting on Jan. 28, authorizing district administration to proceed with staffing reductions needed to address projected budget shortfalls. The motion passed 4–1.
What the board approved: The board's action authorizes the district to execute a certified RIF for the 2025–26 school year. The vote does not specify the individual employees affected; human resources will follow the district's procedures and timelines to identify specific positions and implement transfers, notices and reductions consistent with state law and board policy.
District context: Superintendent Doctor Forliss told the board the district is projecting a decline of roughly 1,800 students for 2025–26 and must reduce payroll by roughly $18 million to balance the budget. Administrators have said district‑level reductions would include about 147 district positions in the current planning scenario; school‑level staffing decisions are in progress and will be finalized after principals submit staffing requests (elementary, junior high, high school deadlines were listed in the meeting).
Board members' statements and community reaction: Board members expressed concern about protecting classroom instruction and minimizing impacts on students. Several board members said they wanted the RIF to be as limited as possible and to explore alternatives before cuts affect direct classroom services. Public commenters urged the board to preserve music, library and other specials; some also recommended cuts in administrative or noninstructional areas instead.
Next steps and process details: Administration emphasized the RIF process follows state statute and district policy; details about which positions will be reduced and appeals or recall processes will be handled by human resources. Administrators noted timelines: elementary staffing submissions were due Jan. 24, junior high Jan. 31 and high schools Feb. 7, which will influence final counts.
Vote and outcome: The governing board approved the certified reduction in force 4–1. Board members and district leaders said they will continue to attempt to mitigate impacts through targeted use of one‑time funds, voluntary transfers and other budget adjustments.
Why this matters: Personnel costs make up the largest share of the district's budget. The board's approval authorizes procedures that will directly affect staff employment and could change course offerings and services available to students if cuts affect school‑level positions.
