Chandler Unified approves most rightsizing measures, tables proposed cuts to library and tech staff for further review

The Chandler Unified School District Governing Board on Jan. 14 approved a package of staffing and budget changes intended to close a roughly $12 million shortfall for fiscal 2026–27, but the board unanimously tabled a set of proposed eliminations that would convert or eliminate many library and technology specialist positions.

Board member E. Heap moved the administration’s rightsizing recommendations and the board amended the motion to strike four line items for additional review: elementary media specialists, elementary technology teachers, elementary media‑tech teacher positions and junior‑high media specialists. The amendment passed unanimously; the remainder of the rightsizing package moved forward as presented.

The administration told the board the plan would reduce roughly 122 positions districtwide to align staffing with declining enrollment. Superintendent Frank Narducci said the district must address sustained enrollment declines and earlier court rulings and state funding structures that limit revenue. He framed the proposal as an attempt to “right‑size” services while preserving core instructional budgets.

Public comment was dominated by parents, teachers and PTO leaders who urged the board to preserve librarians, media specialists, technology teachers and deans. Jennifer Pollock, a teacher and CEA representative, said, “I was dismayed to learn elementary librarians and tech teachers were told that their jobs would be eliminated the day before winter break began,” and warned the combined job descriptions would be “a very heavy load.” School psychologists and special‑education parents warned that splitting or reducing dean and specialist time would slow responsiveness for vulnerable students; one speaker said, “Full‑time deans are not optional. They are essential.”

During discussion, board members pressed administration for details on pilot sites, certification, curriculum crosswalks and how the new career‑literacy teacher description would be funded. Administration said career‑literacy pilots had operated at 13 schools; the new job description was approved earlier in the evening as an addition to the district’s library of positions but does not by itself open a posting or hire.

Board members and district leaders also highlighted alternatives: use of reserves, further reductions in district administration or targeted program changes. Trustee Kurt Rohrs warned that the district faces repeated annual headwinds and urged the board to act now to avoid deeper future cuts; others urged more time and transparency. Trustee Patty Serrano said she was not comfortable approving the whole package without additional detail and proposed carving out the media positions for additional study. That carve‑out was adopted.

Key figures and numbers from the meeting: - Projected budget shortfall presented by administration: $12,000,000 for FY 2026–27. - Total positions listed in the study’s non‑classroom category: approximately 115 with 122 reductions discussed across categories. - Net savings tied to the elementary media/technology consolidations (elementary + junior high combined): roughly $1,705,984 (elementary) plus $372,566 (junior high) as shown in the packet.

What happens next: the board directed the administration to return with impact analyses, alternatives and funding options for the tabled positions at a special meeting the following week (a planning session the board agreed to schedule). Board leadership emphasized the need to deliver teacher contracts on time while completing this review.

The board’s action preserved the broader rightsizing framework while pausing the most contentious personnel changes long enough for additional analysis and community input.