The Tempe Union High School District Faces Challenges Amid Declining Enrollment
It was a difficult day for the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board as they approved a plan to eliminate dozens of full-time jobs in response to projected enrollment declines. Over the past decade, the district has already lost about 2,000 students, and it is anticipated that another 2,600 will be lost by 2033.
The board had to make tough financial decisions in order to address the budget shortfall caused by these decreasing student numbers. They agreed to cut approximately $5 million worth of positions from the budget, including 19 full-time positions from the district office and 37 full-time positions from schools.
Board President Armando Montero expressed the difficulty of the situation, stating, “This is the last thing that I want to vote for but it’s the reality that we’re in…this is not easy.” The emotional impact of the decision was evident as board members reflected on the staff members who would be affected by the cuts.
Board member Andres Barraza acknowledged the dedication of the staff, saying, “To the staff that’s going to be impacted, we greatly value you. The work that you do is selfless for our community.”
The district plans to disclose which positions will be cut at the next school board meeting, following the elimination of six positions from the district office earlier this school year.
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