Mesquite ISD Announces $24 Million Budget Cuts, Including Staff Layoffs, for 2026–27 School Year
Mesquite, TX — January 31, 2026 — Mesquite ISD plans $24 million budget cuts, including staff layoffs, to address declining enrollment and rising costs.
Mesquite ISD Announces $24 Million Budget Cuts, Including Staff Layoffs, for 2026–27 School Year
Mesquite, TX — January 31, 2026 — Facing a $24 million deficit, Mesquite Independent School District (ISD) has announced significant budget cuts for the 2026–27 school year. The district plans to reduce staff and other budget items to address declining enrollment and rising operational costs.
Details of the Budget Cuts
The proposed cuts include:
- Elimination of 10 central officer positions
- Reduction of 5 family and community engagement specialists
- Consolidation of 19 elementary campus intervention specialists and student support roles
- Reduction of 28 instructional coaches and instructional technology coaches
- Elimination of 5 advanced academic specialist/coordinator positions
- Reduction of 15 ESL teacher positions
- Elimination of 74 part-time lunchroom monitors
- Reduction of 42 bilingual aides
- Elimination of 34 kindergarten aides
- More than 14 campus clerical positions
- Elimination of 15 custodial jobs
- Elimination or reassignment of 6 high school assistant principals
- 103 surplus teaching jobs, including 67 secondary teacher positions, 47 elementary specialists, 8 music teachers, 6 art teachers, and 33 physical education aides
- Reduction of 10 coaching stipends
Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera stated, “These are difficult decisions, and we don’t take their impact lightly, but every step we’re taking is focused on protecting students, learning, and the future of our district.” The district plans to notify all affected employees by February 13 and is offering a $250 incentive for early retirement notifications.
Context and Rationale
Mesquite ISD has faced financial pressures due to declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and state funding that has not kept pace with inflation. The district’s enrollment has dropped by more than 3,000 students over the past decade, leading to a current enrollment of 36,650. Over the same period, staffing numbers have grown by about 600 employees, from approximately 5,200 to nearly 5,800. The district aims to stabilize its finances and ensure long-term sustainability through these budget cuts.
Community Impact
The proposed cuts are expected to impact various roles within the district, including teaching positions, support staff, and administrative roles. The district emphasizes that these decisions are made with the goal of maintaining educational quality and financial stability. Community members and parents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming forums to discuss the changes and their implications.
Looking Ahead
Mesquite ISD is committed to transparent communication throughout this process. The district plans to hold informational sessions and provide resources to support affected employees and the community. As the situation develops, further updates will be shared to keep all stakeholders informed.
