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District finance director briefs board on audit data: 72.5% of spending labeled classroom-related; teacher pay below valley averages
Summary
Finance staff presented the district's annual financial and auditor-general comparisons, showing roughly 72.5% of spending in instruction-related categories, administrative spending among the lowest of operational peers, and an average teacher compensation figure reported at about $61,396.
Prescott Unified School District finance staff presented an annual financial overview and auditor-general comparisons at the May 6 meeting, highlighting spending profiles, staffing-cost benchmarks and state assessment context.
Brian (finance staff) told the board that the district’s classroom spending — the combination of instruction, student support and instructional support — accounted for about 72.5% of expenditures for the 2023–24 fiscal year, which the auditor general groups against operational peers. The auditor-general profile also ranked the district’s administrative spending on the low end compared with similarly sized districts.
On compensation, Brian reported an average teacher salary in the peer comparison dataset of about $61,396 (including certain regular contract items). He also noted the district’s “carryforward” — available fund balance at fiscal start — had been higher in recent years but was drawing down, and that district staff estimate reduced year-end reserves compared with the prior year.
Brian reviewed state-assessment results in context and reminded the board that Arizona’s tests are not nationally comparable. He said Prescott Unified’s proficiency percentages place the district below state averages in some subjects and that the district continues work to improve outcomes.
Board members asked about peer-group methodology, the effect of overrides on compensation comparisons and the long-term tension between maintaining reserves for capital work and investing in current-year staffing. Brian said some peer-group differences reflect district choices about capital vs. operations and that the auditor-general’s system tries to account for special funding sources such as bonds.
No formal board action was required; the presentation was an informational briefing ahead of the upcoming fiscal-year close and routine audit reporting.
