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Tempe board approves proposed 2025-26 budget and schedules public hearing
Summary
The governing board approved the proposed fiscal 2025-26 budget and directed staff to post the required public-notice and hold a hearing as part of the process toward final adoption by July 15.
The Tempe School District Governing Board on Wednesday approved the proposed 2025-26 annual budget and authorized staff to publish a notice of a public hearing ahead of the scheduled adoption hearing.
Chief financial staff member presented the proposed budget as a preliminary document driven by calendar constraints: the state budget had not been finalized and districts must adopt budgets by July 15. The presentation said the district used an assumption of a 2% funding-formula increase (the lower of inflation and the statutory increase) and an assumed 1% decrease in enrollment for planning purposes.
The presenter explained the state's updated budget forms include a new line for funds maintained for spending after FY26, which changes year-to-year comparability but improves transparency of carryforward intent. Staff said they did not include certain one-time state funds in the proposal (about $650,000 last year for traditional assistance and the free-and-reduced poverty weight), but that such funds could be added later if the legislature restores them.
Other details provided in the presentation included: the district received about $620,000 last year from a one-time allocation tied to "prop 1 2 3" (as described during the presentation); the district's tax rates are expected to return to levels near last year's figures; and staff estimated about a 100 full-time-equivalent reduction in positions due to lower enrollment, with teacher salary increases of 2% plus a $500 Classroom Site Fund supplement described in the bargaining agreement.
The board discussed timeline options for a September or December budget revision, public-notice timing and presentation detail requests. Staff said the formal public hearing on the proposed budget would be scheduled for the board's June 25 meeting so final adoption can occur by July 15, and that a revision could be made in September after updated enrollment and state funding numbers are available.
A motion to approve the proposed 2025-26 budget passed on a voice vote. The district will post the required public-notice, hold the hearing on June 25, and return for final adoption by July 15.
