Reynoldsburg City Schools Lay Off 51 Teachers Amid $8.5M Budget Crisis
Dozens of teachers in Reynoldsburg City Schools have been laid off this week as the district faces major budget cuts stemming from the failure of a November levy. A total of 51 educators were notified they will not be returning for the upcoming school year.
District officials confirmed the layoffs are part of an $8.5 million reduction in operating expenses after voters rejected a proposed tax increase that would have supported day-to-day school operations. According to Executive Director of Communications Valerie Wunder, the district had no choice but to make “difficult decisions” to address the growing deficit.
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The district began implementing cuts earlier this year. In February, officials announced $8.3 million in savings through staff reductions, delaying non-essential purchases, and introducing pay-to-play fees for student athletics; $400 for junior high and $500 for high school.
The district still fell short of its target, prompting staffing cuts. The 51 teachers let go this week were informed during the school day Thursday, with many students finding out before the end of classes.
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Reynoldsburg employs 337 general education teachers, 93 special education instructors, and 44 arts or physical education staff. In addition to teaching positions, the district is eliminating five elementary assistant principal roles and three central office staffers. Earlier this spring, they also chose not to fill two vacant social worker positions and cut three others, reducing the total number from 12 to seven.
While voters rejected the November levy, the district is expected to revisit funding discussions in the coming months. School officials say current budget levels are not sustainable without new revenue.
