Gilbert Public Schools reports 73.2% of spending in classrooms; audit data and teacher-salary measures vary

GILBERT, Ariz. — Gilbert Public Schools officials told the district governing board that the Auditor General’s FY2024 district spending report shows 73.2% of operational spending in classroom functions and administration at about 8.2%, and explained why published average teacher-salary figures can differ.

The presentation, led by Jackie Matinen, director of finance, and introduced by district business staff, summarized FY2024 operational-area spending and compared Gilbert’s results with neighboring districts and a peer group of large districts. Matinen said instruction—defined in the district’s account code structure as functions in the 1000 series—was 58.9% and student support an additional 9.6%, yielding 73.2% classroom-related spending overall.

The report matters because the Auditor General’s district spending report is widely cited by state policymakers and media, Matinen said. “If…