Maricopa Unified board approves December revision to FY2026 budget after public hearing

Maricopa, Ariz. — The Maricopa Unified School District governing board voted unanimously on Dec. 10 to approve a December revision to the district's fiscal year 2026 budget after a public hearing and presentation by district finance staff.

Mister Harmon, presenting the revision required under ARS 38-431.02 and ARS 15-903, said actual enrollment is up by roughly 104 students compared with the prior year but about 265 students short of the district's projections. He said the district's weighted ADM was approximately 540 students below projection, which reduced ongoing revenue by roughly $1,000,000. Harmon said that increase in one-time funding factors of about $1,900,000 and other adjustments raised the M&O budget limit by nearly $1,000,000 and that the overall change to the three main funds was a net decrease of about $121,000.

Harmon emphasized the difference between ongoing and one-time revenue and noted the district has healthy reserve balances and built‑in contingencies that allow it to avoid midyear reductions to personnel and core services. When asked if any personnel cuts were necessary, he said the revision "is not gonna impact any of our current operations" and that reserves exist to maintain staffing.

Board members asked clarifying questions about capital funding and building renewal grants. Harmon said the State Facilities Board is limiting building renewal awards to life‑safety and emergency projects; the district has received some emergency building renewal grants and approved weatherization for Maricopa Elementary School. He said the district will prioritize critical repairs such as roof work given reduced state building renewal funding.

The board voted to adopt the revision after a motion and second; the vote was recorded as unanimous.