Board considers fiscal 26 budget with school construction and maintenance projects

The Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) Board made significant strides in their July 8, 2025, meeting, focusing on budget planning and infrastructure improvements for the upcoming fiscal year. Pending approval from the State Fire Department in December, the district is set to include several key projects in its fiscal 2026 budget, notably the construction of new elementary schools and essential maintenance for existing sites.

The board discussed utilizing adjacent waste funds to resurface fire lanes and bus lanes at older school facilities, addressing the pressing need for infrastructure upgrades. This initiative is part of a broader capital planning process aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility across the district.

Following the board's approval of the budget, the next steps involve submitting tax rate information to the county school office, which will finalize the rates in August. The district is currently in the encumbrance period, a transitional phase between fiscal years, where staff are finalizing the audit for fiscal 2025 while simultaneously preparing for the new fiscal year.

The annual financial report for fiscal 2025 is scheduled for presentation in October, alongside public reporting of last year's override expenditures. The board also anticipates budget revisions throughout the year, with the first scheduled for September 25, allowing for adjustments based on final forms from the Attorney General's office and the incorporation of one-time funds.

Overall, the QCUSD Board's decisions reflect a proactive approach to fiscal management and infrastructure development, ensuring that the district is well-prepared for the upcoming school year and beyond.