Question: What programs did ACPS cut or sunset in this budget? And how much cost savings did it yield? (Councilman Elnoubi)
Response:
According to the Alexandria City Public Schools financial staff, during the 2025-26 school year, ACPS will need to sunset programs in the Department of Student Services and Equity. Since the pandemic, ACPS has continued to be vigilant about focusing on the mental health needs of students. The school system did not sunset any programs but instead added programs such as Hazel Health Teletherapy so that all students could have access to therapy since there was additional ESSER funding that allowed ACPS to do so. Moving forward, ACPS will need to sunset some programs in order to continue to fund this mental health support in its operating budget.
Four positions funded via ESSER were eliminated in the Student Services and Equity Department this year. Existing staff will take on those additional responsibilities in order to maintain the level of services and support post pandemic given that meeting the mental health needs of students remains a priority. ACPS continues to adjust and realign duties and responsibilities among existing staff to effectively deliver support and services to students.