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Board approves non-renewal of 22 probationary teaching contracts amid enrollment and funding pressures
Summary
The board approved a resolution to terminate or not renew 22 probationary teaching contracts for 2026–27, citing enrollment declines (including Metro Surge impacts), budget reductions and licensure issues; the motion passed by roll call with all members voting aye.
Dr. Michelle Axley told the Richfield Public Schools board the district is proposing the termination or non-renewal of 22 probationary teaching contracts for the 2026–27 school year as part of routine staffing adjustments. "We have 22 teachers that are being proposed for non-renewal," she said, and explained the decisions reflect a mix of factors including budget reductions, changes in student enrollment, staffing changes, performance-related issues and some teachers working outside their licensure areas.
Axley said individual circumstances vary and urged caution against assumptions about any person on the list. Board members discussed the role of recent enrollment disruptions (the transcript refers to a "Metro Surge" and the loss of about 80 students) and changes in compensatory-education funding at the state level as drivers of staffing reductions.
A motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded; board roll-call votes were recorded and the motion passed with all members voting yes. The board discussion included reminders that some affected staff may be rehired if positions become available and that licensure constraints (for tiered licenses) can require non-renewal even where rehiring is possible in future cycles.
The resolution provides authority for the district to proceed with the staffing actions described; the board did not vote to rehire or to identify individual teachers in the public record at the meeting.
