The Chandler Unified School District in Arizona is grappling with a projected budget shortfall of $12 million for the upcoming school year. The school board is considering significant changes, including the elimination and consolidation of various positions within the district. This has sparked emotional responses from teachers, parents, and community members who fear that these cuts will adversely affect educational quality.
Job Eliminations and Combos Proposed
During a recent board meeting, concerned parents and educators voiced their worries about the potential elimination of roles such as Media and Technology Specialists. One parent remarked on the proposed combining of a librarian and a technology teacher into a single career literacy position, suggesting that this would lead to a loss of vital resources. “If our deans travel between schools, families will leave,” warned a participant during the public comment segment.
According to district officials, approximately 120 positions may need to be adjusted to address the fiscal shortfall, representing about 2 percent of the district’s total staffing. The plan also includes reductions in work hours, stipends, and departmental budgets. Despite the drastic measures, Stephanie Ingersoll, a spokesperson for the district, clarified that there will not be any outright job cuts. She stated, “I want to make very, very clear that the current openings for 2026-2027 will be available to everyone impacted.”
Impact on Students and Specialized Programs
For educators like Marysol Sanabria Galvez, a technology specialist, the implications of these proposals are personal. Sanabria Galvez noted that her role extends beyond teaching; she also oversees the school news and student council. She fears that handing these responsibilities to classroom teachers may jeopardize these important programs, stating, “If you can make cuts, why can’t it be from somewhere else?”
The district’s financial challenges stem from several factors, including a decline in student enrollment due to an aging population, high housing prices, and low birth rates. Chandler Unified has reported a 3 percent decrease in student numbers, which directly impacts funding, as financial support is tied to enrollment figures. Ingersoll emphasized that the district aims to navigate these changes in a fiscally responsible manner while maintaining its reputation as the “district of choice.”
Concerns regarding the impact on special education were also raised. Parent Beau Cross expressed anxiety over the potential loss of specialized support for his son, highlighting the critical role that specialist teachers and administrative staff play in providing necessary guidance.
As discussions continued late into the evening, the board had yet to reach a final decision on the proposal. The community remains engaged, and updates on the board’s decisions are expected in the coming days.
The Chandler community is encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns regarding these proposed changes as the district navigates this challenging financial landscape.