JACKSON, Mich. – The Jackson Public School District is grappling with a significant budget shortfall, currently facing a multi-million-dollar deficit. In response to this financial challenge, district officials have outlined a plan to reduce staffing levels across various departments.
The district was initially aware of its $4.1 million deficit back in 2024. With approval from the school board to dip into its $20 million rainy day fund, district leaders are now being forced to make difficult decisions to balance the budget. Superintendent Jeff Beal emphasized the urgency of the situation, acknowledging that relying on the fund is not a long-term solution.
“We’re creating a sense of urgency because we can’t do this into the future, we can’t do this forever,” Beal said in a statement.
The district, which had expanded its staff to support students during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, is now facing the need to trim down as federal funding allocated for pandemic relief has ended. As a result, the district is anticipating cuts ranging from 10 to 35 positions, which may include teachers, retired teachers, support staff, secretaries, and administrators.
At a school board meeting on Tuesday, members voted 6-1 in favor of offering severance packages to eligible staff, with amounts beginning at approximately $15,000. Beal explained that this approach would allow for some flexibility in reducing staff while avoiding layoffs.
“The reduction in staff will vary, but we’re committed to keeping opportunities for students the same,” said Derek Dobies, Vice President of Jackson’s School Board. He reassured the community that despite the staff cuts, there would be no closures of schools or reductions in programming.
Teachers will have several days to decide whether to accept the severance offer. If certain areas of the district experience a shortage of staff, the district has indicated it may seek to hire new teachers.
The Jackson Public School District serves seven elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. While the district is uncertain about the final number of staff reductions, it hopes that the severance packages will help to mitigate the need for additional layoffs ahead of the March school board meeting.
Despite the difficult financial decisions, district officials are focused on maintaining a stable educational environment for students and families in the community.
