The Mesquite Independent School District announced on Tuesday that it will cut $24 million from the 2026-27 school year budget, including staff layoffs, to address declining enrollment and rising costs.

The district said the budget cuts and layoffs will stabilize its finances, ensure long-term stability and address a "growing gap between enrollment, staffing and available revenue."

"Like many school districts across Texas, we are facing financial pressures driven by declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and state funding that has not kept pace with inflation," Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera said. "These steps allow us to move forward in a responsible and sustainable way."  

Student enrollment has dropped in recent years due to lower birth rates and more school choice options, while rising costs for salaries, insurance, utilities, and supplies strain budgets, Mesquite ISD said, adding that staffing accounts for roughly 85% of the district's operating expenses.

District leaders said some roles will be eliminated and that they recognize the impact that will have. In a statement, the district pledged clear communication and support for those affected.

"All term-contract employees will have a position for the 2026–27 school year, the district said, while at-will employees in discontinued roles will be encouraged to apply for other openings within the district," a statement from the district reads. 

"I've been communicating through either the board updates, through emails, and I personally promised you that when decisions were made, you were going to hear directly from me," Rivera said.

He said all those impacted will get notified by February 13. The district is also offering $250 incentive for early notification for employees who plan to retire.

Rivera said that the plan was created with input from staff, a strategic budget committee, and external financial studies. 

"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," Rivera said.    

Historically, Mesquite ISD said, its employees leaving exceed the number of positions being eliminated. 

The budget cuts include:

• 10 central officer positions 
• 5 family and community engagement specialists 
• 19 elementary campus intervention specialists and elementary student support. Some positions will be consolidated.
• 28 instructional coaches and instructional technology coaches. There is a chance for some consolidation.
• 5 advanced academic specialist/coordinator positions
• ESL teachers reduced by 15 positions
• 74 part-time lunchroom monitors
• 42 bilingual aides
• 34 kindergarten aides 
• more than 14 campus clerical positions.
• 15 custodial jobs
• 6 high school assistant principals eliminated or reassigned.

• Teachers: 103 surplus teaching jobs, 67 secondary teacher positions, 47 elementary specialists, 8 music teachers,  6 art teachers, and 33 physical education aides
• 10 coaching stipends