Phoenix Union board approves seven RIF notices, adopts multiple dismissal motions
Summary
On Jan. 8, 2026 the Phoenix Union High School District governing board approved a Phase 2 budget plan that included issuing seven reduction-in-force notices and adopted several statements of charges and notices of intention to dismiss for certified employees; the board also appointed hearing officers if hearings are requested.
The Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board on Jan. 8 approved Phase 2 of a budget plan that includes issuing seven reduction-in-force (RIF) notices and adopted multiple statements of charges that could lead to dismissal if employees do not timely request hearings.
Superintendent Andrade told trustees the Phase 2 package aims to produce about $5 million in savings through program consolidations, a one‑semester MOA savings, transportation adjustments and attrition. "There are 7 positions on tonight's a reduction in force list," Andrade said, describing most as coming from a program identified in board materials as "city," along with two teachers in low‑enrollment courses.
Board members moved the recommendation and carried it in a roll‑call vote. Following that approval, the board considered three separate statements of charges for certified employees (identified in board materials by internal case numbers) and voted to issue notices of intention to dismiss. For each dismissal action the board also voted to appoint a hearing officer from a preapproved list if the employee requests a hearing.
Legal and procedure notes published at the meeting made clear that if an employee does not timely request a hearing under Arizona law, dismissal may become final at the expiration of the statutory period. Trustees asked procedural questions about whether hearing outcomes would be returned to the full board; the president confirmed that hearing officers would prepare a record and recommendation for board action.
What happens next: trustees and staff said names related to Phase 1 and Phase 2 actions will be provided in February. The superintendent indicated the budget committee will continue demographic, enrollment and program studies this spring to inform future recommendations.
Actions taken: the board voted to approve the Phase 2 recommended RIF list (seven positions) and carried multiple motions to adopt statements of charges and appoint hearing officers. The motions carried by roll call as recorded in the meeting minutes.
No personnel names were introduced into the public record beyond the internal case identifiers read during the meeting; the board recorded votes and the motions carried as announced at the dais.
