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Roanoke City school board approves resolution authorizing reduction in force
Summary
The Roanoke City School Board on March 24 approved a resolution authorizing a reduction in force, furloughs and a superintendent-led reorganization to address an estimated $14 million structural funding gap; the superintendent said about 170 positions may be affected and central office administrators will take a mandatory one-week furlough.
The Roanoke City School Board voted March 24 to adopt a resolution authorizing a reduction in force, furloughs and a reorganization of certain departments to address budget shortfalls.
Dr. Verlita White, superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools, told the board the decision was driven by what she called a roughly $14,000,000 structural funding gap for the 2026–27 school year, down from about $16,000,000 at the start of the budget process. "We are in a people business and this is one of the most painful things that we will have to do," White said, emphasizing the district's intent to preserve classroom instruction where possible.
White outlined the scope of the reductions as roughly 170 positions—reduced from an earlier estimate of about 180—with most cuts coming from vacancies, resignations and retirements. She said approximately 65 employees could be directly displaced by reductions in force or displacements and that the division will attempt to limit layoffs through reassignments and reorganization. The resolution also authorizes a mandatory one-week furlough for central office administrators at the coordinator level and above, including the superintendent.
Dominic McKee, the division's chief human resources officer, said staff selections followed board policy and applicable provisions of the Code of Virginia and that the division used objective criteria including program needs, enrollment and documented evaluations. McKee said HR will meet individually with affected employees beginning the next day, will create a recall list that remains active for 15 months, and plans a regional employment fair on April 23 to help impacted employees find other opportunities.
The board moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was made and seconded during the meeting and the chair declared the motion carried by voice vote. The transcript records the board's approval but does not include a roll-call tally for the RIF vote.
School leaders stressed the changes were a response to funding and policy changes that removed a previous cushion of fund-balance authority. White said the board and administration will continue to advocate for funding at the state and local level and that personnel outcomes could change depending on resignations, retirements or updated revenue information.
The resolution gives the superintendent authority to implement staffing adjustments for the 2026–27 school year; the board did not adopt additional restraints or amendments to that authority during the meeting. The division said it will continue to communicate with families, staff and the community about next steps.
