It is a tough time for Arizona’s largest school district. If you live in the Valley or have kids in the system, you've probably heard the rumblings about the Mesa Public Schools layoffs. It’s not just one of those "maybe" situations either—it's actually happening, and the numbers are honestly a bit staggering.
The district is staring down a massive budget hole. We are talking about a projected shortfall that could hit anywhere from $9 million to $18 million for the 2026-2027 school year. Because of that, the administration has been forced to make some really painful calls. They’ve already cut dozens of jobs, and more are on the chopping block.
Why is this happening now?
Basically, it's a perfect storm of bad timing. For starters, enrollment is tanking. Mesa is losing students like crazy. Over the last three years, the student population has dropped by nearly 3,400 kids. And it isn't getting better. Projections show another 4,900 students could vanish over the next three years.
Why? Well, birth rates in the City of Mesa have plummeted by 28% over the last decade. There are 1,100 more seniors graduating than there are kindergarteners coming in. When the kids aren't there, the state money isn't there. It’s a simple, brutal math problem.
Then you've got the federal money. Remember those ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds from the pandemic? That "COVID money" is officially gone. The district used those funds to hire counselors, interventionists, and extra support staff. Now that the tap has run dry, they can't afford to keep everyone on the payroll.
The human cost of the budget gap
In February 2025, the district laid off 42 certified staffers. Shortly after, they announced that 147 district-level positions would be eliminated.
By August 2025, Superintendent Matt Strom—who took over the reins during this chaotic period—announced even more cuts. He revealed that 43 administrative and certified specialist jobs were being axed to save about $3 million.
"This is not a decision we take lightly," Strom said in a video to the community.
He’s trying to stay positive, but for the teachers and staff who have dedicated years to these schools, it’s a gut-punch. Honestly, it feels like the district is trying to rebuild the plane while it's in the air. They are currently doing a massive "organizational redesign." They even cut five assistant superintendent positions and replaced them with just two "chief" roles to try and slim things down at the top.
Where the money is going (and where it isn't)
Nearly 90% of the district's budget goes to paying employees. So, when you need to cut $17 million or $18 million, you can’t just stop buying pencils. You have to look at salaries.
- Enrollment Decline: Losing 1,800 students in a single year wipes out millions in state funding.
- Inflation: Everything is more expensive. Utilities are up. Health insurance premiums for staff are through the roof.
- Title I Changes: A new funding model is actually hurting schools that serve fewer students in extreme poverty, redistributing that money elsewhere.
- Prop 123: The expiration of Proposition 123 in July 2025 is another huge hit that everyone in Arizona education is sweating.
It’s not just about the layoffs, though. It’s about the kids left in the classrooms. When you cut 385 positions (which happened in the 2024-25 cycle), the remaining teachers have to pick up the slack.
What most people get wrong about these cuts
A lot of people think the district is just being "top-heavy" and keeping all the high-paid admins. While the recent redesign did cut some administrative roles, the reality is that certified staff—the people actually in the buildings—are being impacted too.
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Another misconception? That the recent override passage solved everything. It didn't. The voters were great and passed the override, but that money only maintains current funding. It doesn't add "extra" money to cover the loss of federal COVID grants or the disappearing students. It’s a band-aid on a much larger wound.
How this affects your neighborhood school
None of the Mesa schools are currently at capacity. That sounds like a good thing for class sizes, right? Sorta. But when a school is half-empty, it's incredibly expensive to keep the lights on and the AC running. The district is looking for "efficiencies," which is often code for "we might have to consolidate more things soon."
If you’re a parent, you might notice fewer "specials" or support staff. The district is trying to prioritize the "Three Rs," but things like instructional coaching and specialized counseling are being centralized or reduced.
Actionable steps for Mesa families and staff
If you are currently employed by the district or have a student enrolled, you shouldn't just wait for the next email update. Here is what you can actually do:
- Monitor the FTE Allocations: If you are a teacher, keep a close eye on the "Full-Time Equivalent" (FTE) numbers for your specific campus. This is where the real decisions about who stays and who goes happen.
- Use the Transition Resources: For those impacted by the Mesa Public Schools layoffs, the district is offering resume support and "priority interviews" for other open roles. Take them up on it. There are often vacancies in "classified" roles (like bus drivers or food service) even when certified roles are being cut.
- Attend Board Meetings: The Governing Board is where the budget presentations happen. Don't just read the headlines; listen to the Chief Business Officer Tyler Moore's presentations to see where the 2027 projections are heading.
- Explore Open Enrollment Early: If you're a parent worried about your school's stability, check the capacity and enrollment trends of nearby schools. Mesa is competing with charter schools and neighboring districts like Gilbert and Chandler, and you have the right to look at those options if your home school is facing major cuts.
The situation is evolving fast. With a projected 5,000-student loss over the next few years, the 2026 and 2027 school years are likely to see even more restructuring. Staying informed is the only way to navigate the uncertainty.