Arizona’s largest public school district, Mesa Public Schools, is grappling with budget cuts as enrollment continues to decline. With the district expecting to lose 1,800 students next fall, officials are considering significant reductions, including the elimination of general music programs for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.
During a packed school board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28, community members voiced strong opposition to cutting music programs. A current math teacher emphasized the connection between music education and math proficiency, while others warned that eliminating arts programs could further drive students away.
The district has already cut 400 positions last year and announced plans to eliminate 147 more district-level positions—though details remain unclear. Critics argue that administrative cuts should come first, pointing out that Mesa employs one superintendent, one associate superintendent, 78 assistant superintendents, and over 30 department directors.
Officials cite low birth rates and high housing costs across Arizona’s state as key factors in declining enrollment. However, uncertainty over federal funding and future student counts complicates budget planning. Assistant Superintendent Scott Thompsonacknowledged the unpredictability, saying, “The ground seems to be shifting quite quickly. I don’t know what our federal funds will look like. I don’t know what our student count will look like. There is a lot of unknown.”
Parents are also frustrated, noting that the district recently invested $50 million into Mountain View High School’s new arts facility. Parent and alum Emma Giffen questioned, “Who is going to fill it? If you stop education at K-6, it’s very imperative that stays to funnel through and keep this quality.”
With a Feb. 7 deadline to notify staff of cuts, board members are reviewing alternative cost-saving measures before making a final decision on eliminating music programs.
