URGENT UPDATE: The Chandler Unified School District is grappling with a staggering $12 million budget shortfall for the upcoming school year, prompting the board to consider drastic proposals, including the elimination and consolidation of 120 positions across its schools. This critical situation has ignited emotional reactions from teachers and parents alike, as the board meets to discuss these pressing changes.
During a heated public comment session, one concerned parent expressed fears that combining roles, such as merging the librarian and tech teacher into a single career literacy position, could drive families away from the district. “If our deans travel between schools, families will leave,” she warned, highlighting the potential fallout from these decisions.
The district plans to adjust positions across various roles, including Media and Technology Specialists, with reductions also affecting work hours, stipends, and departmental budgets to balance the financial books. However, district spokesperson Stephanie Ingersoll insists there will not be any outright job cuts. “I want to make very, very clear that the current openings for the 2026-27 school year will be available to everyone impacted,” Ingersoll stated.
The budget crisis stems from a decline in student enrollment, attributed to an aging population, soaring home prices, and low birth rates in Chandler. The district has reported a loss of approximately 3% of its student body, which directly impacts funding. “This allows us to move the district in the most fiscally responsible way with taxpayer dollars,” Ingersoll explained, asserting the need to maintain the district’s reputation as the “district of choice.”
The emotional toll is palpable among educators. Technology specialist Marysol Sanabria Galvez, who would be directly affected by these proposed changes, voiced her concerns over the impact on student programs. “My argument is that you’re cutting from students, you’re taking away from students. If you can make cuts, why can’t it be from somewhere else?” she challenged, emphasizing the potential loss of critical support for students.
Parents like Beau Cross are worried about the implications for their children, particularly those with special needs. “My son specifically does have special kind of guidance that he needs, and some of the teachers that are most involved in that are the specialist teachers and the dean,” Cross lamented, highlighting the personal stakes involved in the district’s financial decisions.
As of Wednesday night at approximately 10 p.m., the Chandler Unified School District board was still deliberating over the proposed budget adjustments. Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for updates on this developing situation that could reshape the educational landscape in Chandler.
This urgent budget crisis not only affects staff positions but also threatens the quality of education for students, making it essential for community members to engage in this critical conversation.
For further developments and to voice your concerns, please connect with us at [email protected]. Stay informed and ready to respond as this story evolves.
