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Governing board approves personnel redesign that district says will yield millions in savings
Summary
The board approved a multi‑phase organizational redesign that will reduce district‑level positions for 2026–27; leadership projected $2.5–4.5M in savings (net of IS investments) and said most cost reductions will occur in later phases. Board members voiced concern about workload, retention and timing.
The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board voted to approve the second phase of a district organizational redesign that district leaders said is expected to reduce more than 40 district‑level positions for the 2026–27 school year.
Mr. Wing described the redesign as a phased plan to restructure superintendency, academic and student‑services departments. Phase 1 reduced five assistant superintendents down to two chiefs; the second phase (approved at the meeting) adds executive‑director and director positions and anticipates further reductions to director‑level roles in subsequent phases. Leadership told the board that they posted many roles internally and planned a timeline for hiring and transition.
Superintendent Strom estimated the redesign could yield $2.5 million to $4.5 million in net savings over time and said district investments in information systems (IS) would support a leaner organizational model. “We think if we invest in the IS department, it's a $2,500,000 to $3,500,000 savings across the board,” Strom said.
Board members raised operational concerns: Member Hutchinson warned that asking fewer staff to do more risks burnout and could affect service delivery, while Member Benson sought clearer accounting of anticipated savings and assurances that student services remain uninterrupted. Strom responded that the district is auditing position tasks (a position description questionnaire was issued) to identify federal/state/governing‑policy obligations versus discretionary activities and will return with analyses and timelines.
The motion to approve the personnel request (including an addendum discussed in the meeting) passed on a 5‑0 vote. Leadership said staff affected by later reductions would be informed by January to give employees time to plan for transitions.
