TUSD CFO warns of sweeping shortfalls; board told to weigh hiring freeze, closures, override

Tucson Unified School District Chief Financial Officer Rick Hernandez told the governing board that the district faces an immediate $8.6 million maintenance-and-operations shortfall and an ongoing structural deficit that could average roughly $21 million a year over the next five years.

Hernandez said the district’s budget outlook is driven by falling enrollment, the suspension of a one-time state poverty-weight payment, rising utilities and benefit costs, and the drawdown of carry-forward (ESSER-era) funds. “We will run an average deficit exceeding $20,000,000 year over year,” Hernandez said, adding that carry-forward reserves could be exhausted after the 2026–27 fiscal year.

The presentation centered on why the board must consider short- and long-term responses. Short-term items that Hernandez and superintendent Dr. Trujillo flagged include a hiring freeze for vacant administrative positions,…