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Phoenix Union board approves preliminary reduction-in-force list amid protests from staff and parents
Summary
After hours of public comment urging the district to spare arts, wellness and student-support roles, the Phoenix Union High School District governing board voted to approve a preliminary reduction-in-force (RIF) list of about 167 positions to meet an estimated $20 million budget gap driven by declining enrollment and exhausted one-time federal funds.
The Phoenix Union High School District governing board approved a preliminary reduction-in-force list of roughly 167 positions on Dec. 4, voting 5–1 to advance the cuts as staff, teachers and parents urged the board to reconsider roles they said are essential to student safety, mental health and arts programming.
The motion to approve item 9L, presented by President Napa and seconded by Clerk Oliver, followed a presentation from district leaders who said enrollment has declined by about 3,000 students and one-time ESSER funds are exhausted, forcing a projected $20 million reduction for next fiscal year. Dr. DiAlba told the board the first phase of reductions presented that night accounted for about $15 million of the total.
Community members and employee representatives filled the public-comment period with appeals to protect specific positions. Estela Flemings,…
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