Phoenix Union Board Approves Continued Workforce Reductions

In a significant decision, the Phoenix Union High School District board voted to continue staffing cuts as part of an effort to address a projected budget deficit of approximately $35 million over the next two school years. The decision came after a lengthy meeting that lasted over four hours, where board members discussed the impact of declining student enrollment on the district’s financial health.

Superintendent Thea Andrade communicated in a letter to staff that the district experienced a decline of around 1,800 students this school year, following a decrease of about 1,200 students the previous year. This trend indicates a total loss of nearly 3,000 students over the last two years, representing a reduction of about 10% of the overall student population since 2022. As enrollment declines, so does state funding, further exacerbating the district’s financial issues.

To address the budget shortfall, the Phoenix Union High School District is implementing workforce reductions, similar to actions taken by other districts such as Mesa Public Schools. The board plans to cut approximately 6% of its 3,000-employee workforce. During the meeting, a preliminary list of 167 positions was presented, including roles such as assistant principals and various certified and classified staff. Notably, 41 positions on the list are currently vacant.

Concerns about the safety implications of these cuts were raised during public comments. A district social worker emphasized the critical nature of some positions, stating, “This is not theoretical. This is not a nice to have. This is safety. This is prevention. This is lifesaving support.” The reduction-in-force (RIF) list also included health and wellness clinicians, which further stirred discussions about community safety.

Despite these concerns, Superintendent Andrade assured the board that essential safety roles would remain intact, noting that the district currently employs three safety directors, even though one position is slated for elimination. Following extensive deliberation, the board ultimately voted 5-1 in favor of the staffing cuts, with board member Jeremiah Cota casting the sole dissenting vote. Board President Ceysha Napa articulated the difficult nature of the decision, stating, “These are people’s livelihoods. These are families. These are the people who cared for our students. It’s either RIFs or closing campuses.”

With the board’s approval, the district plans to hold further meetings to discuss phase two of the reduction-in-force process. The governing board will review both phases of the RIF lists in February. The ongoing discussions highlight the challenges facing the district as it seeks to navigate financial constraints while prioritizing student safety and support.