Phoenix Union board approves reduction‑in‑force actions amid declining enrollment and budget constraints

The Phoenix Union High School District governing board voted in February to approve personnel actions related to reductions in force that the district said are necessary because of enrollment declines, budgetary constraints and structural changes at specific campuses.

Administration described the process as multi‑step and fluid. Dr. Althea Allen, explaining the RIF process, said the district initially identified more than 128 people who could be impacted, then reduced that number through placements, retirements and resignations and by matching staff to available vacancies. “This is an extremely fluid process,” Allen said during the presentation.

What the board approved: Item 9H was the approval of a reduction‑in‑force list that included names; the board conducted a roll‑call vote and the president announced the motion carried. Later the board approved item 9M, a preliminary list of positions to be eliminated and the issuance of preliminary RIF letters. That vote was recorded as: Board member Cross — Aye; Representative Marquez — Aye; Clerk Meyer — Aye; Board member Napa — Abstain; Board member Oliver — Aye; President Pastor Rivera — Aye. The motion carried.

Administration’s explanation and staffing details: Superintendent Andrade and Dr. Allen described counselor reductions tied to declining enrollment and the transition of Betty Fairfax to an academy model, which will reclassify APs to academy leaders and requires posting and interviews for those roles. Dr. Allen said the district has two current counselor vacancies and that the RIF rubric and placement process will be used to match existing staff to openings where possible.

Board discussion and concerns: Several board members urged transparency. Clerk Meyer asked for public clarity on how names are released and how a surplus differs from a RIF; Dr. Allen explained that positions are approved first, then names are identified and brought to the board. Board member Oliver and others emphasized the need for accountability for counselors and support for staff placed in new roles.

Vote and immediate impact: Board members acknowledged the emotional and practical impact of RIF decisions. The board approved the items to keep the district fiscally stable and maintain operations; administrators said placements and additional interviews are ongoing.

Quotes: “Even if you are placed in a new job, it’s a new job,” Dr. Althea Allen said. Clerk Meyer summarized the public need for transparency: “If you explain to adults how it’s happening and eliminate any spectacle of secrecy, it’s more acceptable.”

Next steps: Administration will continue placements and return with the names associated with preliminary position eliminations as required by the process. The district said it will follow the RIF rubric to identify placements and interview tied candidates for existing vacancies.

Attribution: Factual descriptions and vote recordings are taken from the governing board transcript for the Phoenix Union High School District meeting.