ANN ARBOR – Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Facing a $20 million budget crisis, the Ann Arbor Public Schools board did some serious homework, voting 6-1 on May 20 to implement a comprehensive cost-cutting plan.

The decision, made during a special meeting at Pioneer High School, followed an outpouring of public comments and highlighted the district’s financial challenges.

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Superintendent Jazz Parks’ plan, now approved, includes significant cutbacks and layoffs, as well as the sale of the district’s Balas Administration Building. The plan comes as the district grapples with declining enrollment, excessive staffing, and high operating costs. Currently, the district serves 16,838 students but projects a loss of 105 students annually through 2028, exacerbating the financial strain.

Starting this week, 141 employees—including teachers, librarians, paraeducators, and support staff—will receive layoff notifications, according to The Detroit News. The district, which employs around 2,248 people, will also see cuts to three positions within the superintendent’s Cabinet. 

“We did not act quickly enough, and now more significant action is necessary,” Parks said to The Detroit News.

To achieve the necessary savings, the district will:

  • Eliminate elementary world language courses, now offered only at International Baccalaureate schools, saving $400,000.
  • Reduce hours for co-music instructors in middle and high schools, saving $224,000, though band and orchestra classes will continue.
  • Close middle school swim programs and pools, except for the city-operated Mack Pool, saving $520,000.
  • Implement substitute coverage and coordinator modifications at International Baccalaureate schools, saving $525,000.
  • Secure $14.7 million in savings through layoffs.

Despite the cuts, Parks emphasized a commitment to revisiting and potentially reinstating world language courses in elementary schools once the budget stabilizes. “There’s absolutely our commitment to have some future considerations on how to bring back elementary world language in a way that is both stable and … more of (an) immersive experience,” she said.

Public response to the plan was mixed, according to this Detroit News article, with many expressing disapproval. 

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Some community members were frustrated with the district’s financial mismanagement, while others strongly advocated for preserving comprehensive music education for all students.

Board Vice President Krystle DuPree suggested reducing salaries for higher-paid staff as an alternative to layoffs, but Parks said that existing contracts limit this option. Nonetheless, the plan to sell the Balas Administration Building and pursue voluntary severance agreements reflects the board’s efforts to explore all possible avenues for financial relief.

Treasurer Susan Ward Schmidt stressed the urgency of the situation, revealing to The Detroit News that the district is required by state law to submit a budget plan by June 30. With a $315 million budget, the stakes are high for ensuring the district’s financial health without compromising educational quality.