Atlanta Public Schools 135 jobs cut for 2026 budget

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Board of Education has announced that 135 jobs at Atlanta Public Schools will be eliminated following the board’s approval of the 2026 budget on Monday night. 

According to the school district, the positions will be from the central office, saving $25 million. 

District officials added that eliminating positions is part of a broader effort to “eliminate redundancies.” The funds would be reallocated for classrooms and school budgets.

Atlanta Public Schools superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson stated the 2026 budget emphasizes a “back to the basics” approach.

“This budget reflects a focused and deliberate approach, leaning into what’s working and strategically abandoning what’s not. We are maximizing resources in ways that directly propel our students forward, while simultaneously being diligent stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Johnson.

A $1.3 billion budget was approved at the board meeting on Monday night. The budget will also include some cuts to other programs, including the elimination of the school nutrition transfer program, which is expected to save the district $15 million. 

Atlanta Public Schools will also eliminate duplicate funding for Atlanta Virtual Academy and Phoenix Academy, according to a news release. 

While the district is making cuts, it stated that it is focused on ensuring the children thrive in a supportive environment.

“As we embark on this budget cycle, our unwavering commitment is to ensure our children are poised to thrive in the years ahead,” Johnson said. 

The 2026 budget also includes a $45 million increase for school budgets with a focus on elementary schools. According to the school district, the budget also includes $11 million for core academic areas, including English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics.

The budget also gives teachers a 5% increase in their retirement system and an increase in benefits.

The last day for the employees impacted by the cuts remains uncertain. APS has not yet shared a timeline for when the reductions will take effect.