Mesa School Board Executes Major Layoffs of Counselors and Teachers

MESA, Ariz. — The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board has decided to eliminate several certified positions within the district in response to significant budget cuts. The vote occurred during a meeting on Tuesday night.

In total, 42 certified positions will be phased out as part of an $18 million budget reduction for the upcoming school year. Specifically, job losses will affect counselors, social workers, and teachers across various educational levels, including elementary schools, junior highs, and high schools.

Among the teaching roles being eliminated are those in physical education, foreign languages, music, social studies, and automotive technologies. The effective date for these job cuts is set for May 23.

This workforce reduction represents approximately 1.1% of the district’s overall certified staff. Furthermore, an additional 147 positions are slated for elimination at the district level, which includes three administrative roles.

The district has cited a projected decline of 1,800 students for the next school year as a critical factor contributing to its budgetary challenges.

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