Chandler Unified School District proposes 2025 2026 budget amid state funding uncertainties

The Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board convened on June 25, 2025, to discuss and approve the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-2026. This budget, which will be submitted to the Arizona Department of Education, is crucial for maintaining the district's financial stability and ensuring continued educational services for students.

During the meeting, the board was informed that the budget process has been ongoing for the past year, involving input from various stakeholders, including the Citizens Budget Committee and district departments. The proposed budget will be presented to the public at a hearing scheduled for July 9, where residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions before the board adopts the final budget.

A significant point of discussion was the uncertainty surrounding state funding, as the Arizona legislature has yet to finalize the state budget. The district is currently operating under the previous year's budget forms, which may impact state aid payments in July. However, the district will continue its operations regardless of the state budget's status, although it may face delays in receiving certain funds.

The proposed budget reflects a decrease in both maintenance and operations funding and capital funding, attributed to a projected loss of students and reduced carryover from previous years. Specifically, the maintenance and operations budget is expected to decrease by $7 million, while capital funding will see a reduction of $12 million. These changes highlight the ongoing challenges the district faces in balancing its budget amid fluctuating enrollment numbers and state funding uncertainties.

Additionally, the board discussed the importance of the Truth in Taxation hearing, which is required for the approval of certain tax rates that support district initiatives, including dropout prevention and infrastructure improvements. The proposed budget includes a request for $4 million in funding for adjacent ways, which will address safety concerns around schools, particularly at Weinberg Elementary.

In conclusion, the Chandler Unified School District's proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 is set to be published and presented for public comment in July. The board's decisions during this meeting will have lasting implications for the district's financial health and the quality of education provided to students in the community. As negotiations continue at the state level, the district remains committed to transparency and community engagement in its budgeting process.