Higley School District reviews FY 26 budget with projected $9.2M shortfall

The Higley Unified School District (HUSD) is bracing for significant budget cuts as it prepares for the fiscal year 2026, with a projected decrease of $9.2 million due to declining enrollment and the failure to renew a crucial funding override. During the HUSD Governing Board meeting on January 14, 2025, Mr. Moore presented the first review of the maintenance and operations budget, highlighting the challenges ahead.

The district is facing a projected loss of over 300 students, which directly impacts funding since the budget formula is based on enrollment numbers. This decline, coupled with the expiration of the override funding, means the district must cut approximately $5.1 million from its budget. Mr. Moore expressed optimism about potential legislative changes that could exempt schools from the Aggregate Expansion Limit (AEL), which would provide some financial relief.

In response to the budget shortfall, district administrators are considering various strategies, including not filling current vacancies and restructuring departments. Sherry, a district representative, emphasized the importance of maintaining educational quality while navigating these financial challenges. The district aims to achieve necessary reductions through natural attrition, minimizing the impact on staff and students.

The meeting underscored the urgency for community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of educational funding. As the district prepares to communicate directly with affected departments and individuals, the focus remains on ensuring that students continue to receive a high-quality education despite the financial hurdles.