As of May 22, 2026, Birmingham Public Schools laid off approximately 15 employees because of budget cuts across the district. Employees affected by the layoffs were notified in advance, and two of them are Groves teachers.
District officials said the layoffs were driven by declining enrollment and budget challenges. Enrollment decreased by approximately 100 students, resulting in an estimated loss of $1.4 million in funding.
Another factor contributing to the layoffs was “demographic and enrollment trends driven by declining birth rates,” according to Superintendent Embekka Roberson. Birmingham Public Schools is projected to continue experiencing gradual enrollment declines in the coming years.
Inflation has also placed additional financial pressure on the district by increasing the cost of goods and services. “State funding increases continue to lag behind inflationary costs,” Roberson said. Rising costs have affected not only Birmingham Public Schools but school districts across the state.
When asked for her thoughts on the layoffs, freshman Ariana Jardin said, “I don’t think they’re necessary. I mean, I don’t think we should overpopulate the number of teachers. Obviously, there should be a good student-to-teacher ratio, but I don’t think teachers should be laid off randomly.”
Freshman Camille Rea shared a similar perspective.
“I think it’s unnecessary because a lot of people who work here really enjoy their jobs,” Rea said. “I know some people personally who lost their jobs at schools. It was their dream job, and they were moved to a new position they didn’t enjoy.”
According to a presentation by Birmingham Chief Financial and Operations Officer Kyle Jens, the district hopes to address some of these challenges through a proposed $250 per-pupil foundation allowance increase. The proposal would increase district revenue by approximately $1.8 million and help offset an estimated $700,000 loss associated with declining enrollment.
When asked whether the layoffs could affect classes or extracurricular activities, Groves teacher Ms. Haener said she was uncertain.
“I don’t think so. I would hope not,” Haener said. “I haven’t heard of it affecting clubs or classes, but I don’t know that for sure. I guess we’ll see next year.”
District leaders also plan to continue investing one-time funding in mental health services, transportation and enrollment stabilization efforts to address declining enrollment and funding challenges.
The layoffs reflect a combination of budget constraints, demographic trends and inflationary pressures. Because many students have connections with the employees affected, district leaders acknowledged that the decision was difficult and not made lightly.
