The biggest school district in the state is facing the possibility of eliminating approximately 400 jobs in the upcoming year.

During a recent meeting of the governing board, the leaders of Mesa Public Schools announced that a decline in enrollment and the termination of COVID-19 relief funding have left the district in a state where measures must be taken. Board officials are already bracing the district for a strong change that some teachers may not come back for the upcoming academic year.

The district is expected to lose approximately $12 million in state funding due to the decrease in enrollment numbers, as well as an additional $7 million with the end of COVID-19 relief funds. To compensate for this financial deficit, the district is currently contemplating eliminating 385 positions for the school year of 2024/2025.

During a presentation given by Scott Thompson, the assistant superintendent for business and support services, it was revealed that the district plans to eliminate 194 teaching positions and 187 classified positions. These positions include bus drivers, front office staff, and other non-teaching roles.

It is possible that four administrative positions may be eliminated.

During the meeting, Hutchinson explicitly expressed her desire for the current staff to have the opportunity to secure similar positions within the district.

The district is expecting a decrease of approximately 970 students for the upcoming school year. Last year, a similar estimate was provided, but the actual number turned out to be much higher with a decrease of 1,700 students (double the initial estimate).

According to the board, these figures are considered conservative and may vary depending on the actions of the Arizona legislature in regards to education and the Classroom Site Fund. This fund is responsible for distributing a portion of sales tax towards teacher salaries.

Reported Mesa teachers are ensured employment, they just may need to switch schools.

Every year, approximately 200 teachers leave their positions at MPS and the district has to fill those vacancies by asking current teachers to transfer to other schools. The district announced plans to promptly inform individuals and provide them with options to secure new positions in the district.

There will be informational meetings on Tuesday for teachers and other staff members to learn more about the changes and impacts in the district.