Apache Junction Unified District reviews FY26 proposed budget, sets July adoption timeline

Gina Salazar, district finance staff for Apache Junction Unified District (4443), presented the district's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget at a June 24 special Governing Board meeting and said the administration will seek approval of the proposed budget by July 5 and final adoption by July 15. Salazar said the presentation used FY25 figures because the state budget had not been finalized.

"We are still working with FY '25 numbers because the budget has not been passed by the state yet," Salazar said. "Our base amount is still going to be $5,013; it is anticipated to rise to about $5,113.26." She explained that figure is multiplied by the district's student count and weights to produce the district's state funding estimate, and that enrollment declines are included in the projection.

Why it matters: the board must adopt a proposed budget before the statutory deadline and then adopt a final budget after the required public notice period. The FY26 numbers will determine how much the district allocates to maintenance and operations (M&O), capital projects and grant-funded programs, and staff said the estimate remains subject to change pending the state's final action.

Key figures presented (as described by staff): Salazar said the district was projecting to spend about $23,500,000 of a $23,600,000 budget in the current-closeout estimate and that the district expected to have a larger carryforward than previously anticipated. She said the district's M&O budget is currently shown at about $19,000,000 and cited several capital-related numbers during the walkthrough: a reduced capital budget of $608,000 for the current year with approximately $454,000 in planned spending, an estimated capital balance that would roll into next year of about $1,187,000 once all figures are entered, and an item later in the packet that showed $11,100,000 labeled as capital (staff said those front-page numbers will change once the state budget is final). Salazar also described a classroom-site fund increase to $842 per ADM from $792 this year but emphasized that lower student counts offset per-student rate increases.

Board member Lane asked why a section labeled FTE (full-time-equivalent) showed zeros for many grant lines; Salazar replied those pages reflect current-year staffing and that some grant pages have no FTEs charged this year. When Lane asked how the board would be alerted if the district was in danger of exceeding its budget, Salazar said voucher processing is checked by the county and that the county will not process transactions that exceed the budget controls.

Board members discussed the uncertainty created by the pending state budget. Salazar and Dr. Papalardo said the district's practical option was to approve the budget as presented based on the Senate version, noting the possibility of later revisions: "If it's not passed by the thirtieth at 05:00, Jean and I will have a phone call, and then we're gonna contact you," Salazar said, describing contingency steps. Board members were told the district will revise the budget in a future revision process (likely September or December) after the state numbers are finalized.

Board members also raised a possible $200,000 state allocation for technology reported in media coverage; staff said the district would earmark those funds for districtwide student technology supports if the allocation is received and that the board would collectively decide specifics after the funds are awarded.

Dr. Papalardo, the district superintendent, praised staff work during the presentation: "Given how challenging this budget season has been and that we're gonna come out better than expected, that's a great win for us. And I thank Miss Salazar for her hard work to make that happen for us," he said.

Votes at a glance - Motion to adopt meeting agenda: moved by the presiding officer (Madam President), seconded by Board member Williamson; passed 4-0. - Motion to adjourn: mover not specified in the record; seconded by Board member Williamson; passed 4-0.

What's next: The board was told it must approve a proposed FY26 budget by July 5 and adopt a final budget by July 15, with at least 10 days between the proposed and adopted actions; staff said a revision will follow after the state budget is finalized. Board members may request additional detail or schedule follow-up meetings with finance staff before the adoption deadlines.