Teacher Shortage? 2,153 On School Payroll Now Is More Than 2,099 Last Year

Late last year, the news site MLive published two stories giving the impression that Ann Arbor Public Schools was short-staffed.

On Nov. 12, MLive reported the district was closing classrooms in one building due to “a high number of staff illnesses and absences.”

MLive added, “Superintendent Jeanice Swift confirmed late Thursday, Nov. 11, that A2 STEAM (a district school) would move to a remote learning day, due to numerous unfilled positions and an inability to fully staff the school to ensure a safe in-person learning environment for students.”

On Dec. 30, MLive wrote:

“Ann Arbor Public Schools will enter the new year with more than 400 new staff members who have been hired since the summer as it continues to seek out innovative ways to attract new employees.”

“The district broke down its effort to recruit and retain teachers, staff and substitutes during a recent Board of Education meeting, noting the challenges in attracting new hires with a staff that has been depleted by untimely resignations and retirements.”

According to data provided by the school district, Ann Arbor schools have more employees this school year than in 2020-21. Total payroll increased from 2,099 full-time equivalent staffers in January 2021 to 2,153 in December 2021.

The total number of teachers and teachers aides, professionals and support staff increased from 1,995 last school year to 2,063 this school year.