Monroe board approves final nonrenewal notices as district details 22.5 position cuts

The Monroe School District Board of Education voted May 11 to issue final nonrenewal notices for professional staff and outlined a reduction plan that will remove 22.5 positions in the 2026–27 school year after voters rejected a funding referendum on April 7.

Joe, an administrator for the district, told the board that the package of reductions was designed to align spending with available revenue and reflected a mix of resignations, retirements and planned cuts. "We are losing 22 and a half positions next year," Joe said, explaining the total included administrators, teachers and part‑time custodial staff.

Administrators provided a breakdown of the reductions: one administrator and one exempt staff member, nine elementary teachers, four middle school teachers, five high school teachers and 2.5 part‑time custodians. They said the district reached that total after accounting for three resignations, 12 retirements and one unfilled position.

Board members pressed administration on how services for students would be maintained. Joe and other administrators warned the district will not be able to sustain some programs at current levels and described plans to redistribute duties, track key metrics and explore contracted services where feasible. "We can't just simply absorb that and say kids are going to get the same level of service," Joe said. He added the district will monitor attendance, office discipline referrals and other indicators for early warning signs.

Trustees also raised concerns about curricular offerings. Administrators warned that some advanced placement courses may be offered less frequently — potentially on alternating years — and that counselors will need to work proactively with families to preserve access where possible.

The board took formal action on the issuance of final nonrenewal notices. The motion to approve the issuance was moved by Theresa (motion by Theresa, second by Phil) and carried by the board after one member announced an abstention; the meeting record shows the motion carried.

In related business, the board approved open‑enrollment lists and several consent items in voice votes earlier in the meeting. Administrators said the district is continuing planning work over the summer and may convene a special finance/board meeting later in May to address budget details.

What happens next: administrators said nonrenewal paperwork will proceed as required by policy and law. They also said they will continue to refine staffing plans over the summer and report back to the board with monitoring data and any recommended course corrections.