Gilbert Public Schools highlights inaccuracies in average teacher salary reporting

Gilbert Public Schools is set to enhance its financial reporting accuracy following concerns raised during the recent Board Meeting on April 8, 2025. Board members discussed discrepancies in average teacher salary data, emphasizing the need for a more standardized accounting approach across all Arizona school districts.

Currently, Gilbert Public Schools reports an average teacher salary of $67,000, but this figure may not reflect the true financial landscape due to varying definitions and calculations used by different districts. The board highlighted that the data reported is likely inaccurate until the new accounting code structure is fully adopted, which will allow for more consistent comparisons across districts.

The discussion revealed that Gilbert's average salary, when adjusted for stipends, aligns more closely with the district spending report, suggesting a base salary of approximately $64,000. This contrasts with peer districts, where reported figures vary significantly, raising questions about the reliability of the data being used for comparisons.

Board members expressed the importance of understanding the context behind these numbers, cautioning against drawing conclusions from potentially flawed data. They plan to revisit this topic in a year, anticipating that the new accounting standards will provide clearer insights.

Additionally, a request was made for a comprehensive overview of financial trends over the past decade, including teacher salaries, spending per student, and classroom utilization. This analysis aims to provide a clearer picture of the district's financial health and inform future decision-making.

As Gilbert Public Schools moves forward, the commitment to transparency and accuracy in financial reporting remains a priority, ensuring that stakeholders have access to reliable data for evaluating the district's performance and planning for the future.