Jeffco Public Schools leaders this week will begin notifying employees whose jobs will be cut as part of the district’s effort to slash $45 million in spending.
Colorado’s second-largest school district expects to eliminate between 150 and 160 full-time positions via the budget reductions. The cuts made this week will go into effect in June, according to a Nov. 13 presentation to the Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education.
Jeffco administrators say they are eliminating the jobs to shore up the school district’s nearly $1 billion budget. Affected employees are scheduled to be informed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The job cuts will mostly be used to reduce departmental budgets, including in transportation, by $26 million to $27 million. Superintendent Tracy Dorland previously told The Denver Post that the district’s goal was to make as many of the budget reductions as possible away from the classroom and students.
Individual schools might also make additional cuts on top of the 150 to 160 positions that will be eliminated this week. If principals make such decisions, then teachers and other affected employees will be told in early 2026, according to the presentation.
Jeffco Public Schools to cut at least 150 jobs as district faces deficit
District leaders have said they will try to make as many reductions as possible via retirement and other staff turnover.
For at least two of the past three fiscal years, Jeffco Public Schools has operated in a deficit — meaning the district spent more money than it brought in — and is facing another loss of $39 million for the 2025-26 year.
Jeffco Public Schools’ financial crisis is the result of declining enrollment — which means schools receive less in per-pupil funding from the state — as well as rising costs, including educator pay, as district officials have given teachers raises in recent years to remain competitive with other metro K-12 systems.
Statewide, pubic K-12 districts are eyeing budget cuts as fewer children enroll in their schools and both the state and local governments consider reducing education funding. Adams 12 Five Star Schools cut at least 150 positions earlier this year in an effort to save $27.5 million.
Jeffco Public Schools officials previously said they would make public the final number of jobs eliminated on Thursday, but a spokesperson said last week that the timeline for publishing such information may change.
Get more Colorado news by signing up for our Mile High Roundup email newsletter.
