PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) voted Thursday night to cut jobs as the district grapples with a $20 million budget shortfall for the next school year.

The board voted 5-1 in favor, and more than 160 nonteaching positions are expected to be eliminated.

The superintendent said PXU, like many districts, is experiencing a steep drop in enrollment.

The preliminary reduction-in-force list includes about 168 positions across a wide range of roles, including assistant principals, art content specialists and librarians.

During public comment, many staff members expressed disappointment. Some teachers were joined by students in solidarity, including a performing arts teacher who said, “I’m begging you to reconsider.”

Michelle Delgado, an assistant principal

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