Chandler Unified School District proposes budget for 2025-2026 amid state funding uncertainty

The Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board convened on June 25, 2025, to discuss and approve the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The meeting focused on the necessity of publishing the budget for public review and subsequent hearings, which are mandated by state law.

During the meeting, the district's budget process was outlined, emphasizing the collaborative efforts involving the Citizens Budget Committee and departmental reviews. The proposed budget will be submitted to the Arizona Department of Education and made available on the district's website, with a public hearing scheduled for July 9, 2025, where community members can provide input before the board adopts the final budget.

Significant challenges were highlighted regarding the state budget, which remains unresolved as negotiations continue among state legislators. The district's proposed budget reflects the previous year's figures due to the lack of a finalized state budget, which is critical for determining state aid payments. The board was informed that even without a state budget, CUSD will continue operations, although it may face delays in receiving state funding.

Key changes in the budget include a projected decrease in maintenance and operations funding by approximately $7 million and a $12 million reduction in capital funds. These adjustments are attributed to declining student enrollment and the spending down of carryover funds from previous years. The average teacher salary is expected to rise slightly due to a 2% increase approved in prior negotiations.

The meeting also addressed the Truth in Taxation hearing, which is a statutory requirement for the district to publish tax rates and allow public discussion on tax-related matters. The board will need to approve the proposed budget and the associated tax rates, which are influenced by state legislation and local voter initiatives.

In conclusion, the CUSD Governing Board's approval of the proposed budget is a crucial step in ensuring the district's financial stability and operational continuity for the upcoming fiscal year. The board will reconvene in July to finalize the budget after public input is gathered.