On Jan. 12, Springfield Public School’s Board of Education voted 3-2 to approve a $2.34 million midyear “reduction in force,” cutting 27 full-time equivalent licensed positions at middle schools, high schools and the district level, with changes taking effect after semester break. Springfield families were told this is about “stewardship,” aligning staffing with the adopted budget, and minimizing disruption.

Stewardship matters. But stewardship is not only dollars, it is also stability, trust and competent planning. Midyear layoffs are among the most disruptive actions a school system can take. They fracture relationships, scramble schedules and signal to educators that Springfield is willing to break continuity midstream. Even the district acknowledges middle schools will shift teachers back to six periods and convert collaboration time into student learning time, with high schools adjusting schedules and course sections.

School board Chair Heather Quaas-Annsa and board members Nicole De Graff and Ken Kohl cast the deciding votes for these cuts. I am calling on all three to resign. Not because balancing a budget is easy, but because Springfield needs a reset in how decisions are made. In December, the chair halted public comment mid-speech over concerns about legal liability tied to ongoing investigations. Even if defensible in isolation, that kind of shut-down leadership deepens public distrust at exactly the moment transparency is most needed.

Springfield deserves a board that plans earlier, publishes real budget scenarios before crises and engages the community before disruption becomes an ultimatum. Resignation would be an act of responsibility. Make room for leaders who can rebuild trust and prioritize student stability.

Devon Lawson
Springfield