Sarasota leaders explain budget changes: ESSER expiration, 182 federally funded positions and district reductions

Superintendent Connor and board members described how federal funds ending and enrollment shifts produced a multi‑stage budgeting process that reduced or restructured non‑classroom positions while aiming to protect classroom staffing and class sizes.

Superintendent Connor said the analysis began when ESSER (federal) funding expired and the district identified 182 positions previously funded by federal dollars that were not sustainable: “There were 182 positions across whether it be district level, but mainly at the school level. That was the first thing that had to be looked at because there wasn't a sustainable funding source for that.”

Connor said district leaders then reviewed non‑rostered roles such as schoolwide behavior coaches and literacy coaches and used data to prioritize where limited resources would remain. He said eliminating some positions allowed the district to avoid layoffs and to place affected staff in “suitable” roles where possible.

Board members and staff described the proportional approach the district took: district administrative positions funded from the general fund took a 10 percent reduction while school‑based classifications saw approximately a 4 percent reduction. The superintendent also highlighted capital and operational commitments that continue to affect budgeting, including opening a new K–8 school and an upcoming high school (Welland Park) expense in the multi‑million dollar range.

Teachers and staff concerns: several teachers who spoke said the loss of ESE, ESOL and literacy coaches and the reassignment of TSPs (teacher support personnel) to regional or cluster models has increased workload at schools. A teacher said TSPs are “the lifeblood of a school” and urged the district to return more supports to individual campuses.

Board response and oversight: board members said they plan to monitor implementation and outcomes using data and staff reports. One board member noted the district will track IT ticket response rates and other operational metrics to evaluate whether the reorganization negatively affects service levels.

What was not decided: no new revenue source was announced; board members emphasized advocacy for increased state funding and said parents and community groups will be needed in legislative advocacy efforts.