"Ann Arbor Public Schools Grapple with $25M Budget Crisis and Layoffs"

Ann Arbor Public Schools is facing a $25 million budget cut for the next school year, leading to anticipated staff layoffs due to a shortfall discovered in an audit. The district attributes the challenges to an increase in staff, a decline in school enrollment, and recent raises for teachers and staff members. Interim Superintendent Jazz Parks stated that the cuts will begin at the central office and administrative positions, and the district is expected to make staff and program reductions despite efforts to address the budget challenge. This situation reflects a broader trend of budget woes in school districts across the country as federal pandemic relief aid diminishes and school enrollment declines.