Mesa Public Schools Announces Layoffs Amid Declining Enrollment and Funding
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Mesa Public Schools Announces Layoffs Amid Declining Enrollment and Funding

Outgoing Superintendent Andi Fourlis cites reduced funding and student losses as reasons for staffing cuts in Arizona’s largest public school district.

Mesa Public Schools, Arizona’s largest public school district, will implement staffing cuts for the 2025-26 school year due to declining enrollment and funding, officials announced last week.

Outgoing Superintendent Andi Fourlis explained in a YouTube video that layoffs are necessary to address rising operational costs and reduced federal and state funding. “Nearly 90% of our expenses are dedicated to paying our talented and hardworking staff,” Fourlis said. “Because of this, we must make the heartbreaking decision to eliminate some positions throughout the district.”

The district expects to lose approximately 1,800 students across its 80 campuses next year, a trend driven in part by the expansion of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) program, which allows all students to access public funds for private or homeschool education. As of November 2024, over 80,000 students statewide were enrolled in the ESA program, according to the Arizona Department of Education.

Fourlis, who will retire on June 30 after serving as superintendent since 2020, emphasized that funding in Arizona is directly tied to enrollment. “Fewer students mean less funding,” she said, noting that the decision to lay off staff was made to ensure the long-term financial stability of the district.

The exact number of positions being eliminated has not been disclosed. School leaders will notify affected employees by February 7. “I recognize how painful these conversations will be and assure you they will be approached with care and compassion,” Fourlis said.

Fourlis will be succeeded by Matthew Strom, Mesa Public Schools’ current associate superintendent. Reflecting on the layoffs, she added, “These decisions are not a reflection of anyone’s dedication or worth, but rather a necessity to maintain the stability of our schools.”