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Ann Arbor board authorizes superintendent to send layoff notices for one bargaining unit amid $25M shortfall
Summary
Facing a reported $25 million deficit, the Ann Arbor Public Schools board voted 4–3 to authorize the superintendent to send layoff notices to the ASCSA bargaining unit while promising further engagement and planning with staff and the community.
The Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education voted to delegate authority to the superintendent to issue layoff notices to the ASCSA bargaining unit as the district works to address a reported $25 million budget shortfall.
After extensive public comment urging the board to protect teachers and programs, and a lengthy trustee debate over timing and process, the board approved a resolution authorizing the superintendent to provide notices in accordance with collective bargaining provisions. The vote was 4–3 in a roll-call tally: Dupree yes; Gaynor yes; Schmidt no; Mohammed yes; Basquiat no; Carahara yes; President Feaster no.
Legal counsel and financial staff told trustees that different bargaining groups have different contractual notice requirements (for example, ASCSA supervisors have a 90‑day notice provision; some groups have 60 days; teachers/administrators must be notified prior to the end of the school year). Administration also said the district must provide a corrective financial plan to the state Department of Treasury by April 15 and may need to borrow funds in early June, which constrains timing.
Trustees debated whether to limit notices to the ASCSA group (an amendment that failed procedurally) or to authorize broader notices; they ultimately approved a motion that delegated to the superintendent the authority to issue ASCSA notices in line with policies and bargaining agreements. Supporters said immediate legal notice to some groups was necessary to preserve the district’s options; opponents said more community and staff input was needed before any notices were sent.
Union and community commenters urged the board to avoid making staff bear the brunt of financial errors. Fred Klein, president of the Ann Arbor Education Association, said the union has long raised concerns about staffing levels and urged trustees not to pass the resolution without stronger teacher voice in decisions.
Interim superintendent Jazz Parks said the administration will publish FAQs, run engagement sessions and gather survey responses from students, staff and families to inform the action plan even as notices proceed where contract deadlines require them.
Next steps: the superintendent may issue notices required by contract deadlines; the administration will prepare the financial plan for the state and continue community engagement to refine which positions, if any, are ultimately affected.
