Mesa School Superintendent Faces Tough Choices as Positions Are Cut

MESA, Ariz. — Mesa Public Schools, the largest school district in the Valley, is poised to eliminate several positions as it grapples with a significant enrollment decline. Superintendent Andi Fourlis conveyed this difficult news in a recent video announcement.

The district anticipates losing approximately 1,800 students in the upcoming school year. To address this drop and soaring operational costs, MPS is aiming to slash about $18 million from its budget.

While specifics on the number of job cuts were not shared, Fourlis confirmed that affected employees will be notified by February 7. “This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make,” she stated, emphasizing her respect for the contributions of every employee within the district.

This announcement comes as Fourlis prepares to step down, with a new superintendent expected to take office later this year. To further discuss these pressing issues, the district’s Governing Board has scheduled a study session for January 14 at 5 p.m.

A year prior, Mesa Public Schools had considered workforce reductions due to a loss of around 970 students, reflecting a broader trend among districts in the region struggling with enrollment challenges.