Phoenix Elementary School District board adopts FY2026 budget revision after 556‑student funded decline
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Summary
The Phoenix Elementary School District governing board approved a Fiscal Year 2026 budget revision after the district reported a 556‑student drop in funded weighted average daily membership, a change that reduced the M&O control limit by about $2.8 million and prompted adjustments to carryforward and capital accounts.
The Phoenix Elementary School District Governing Board on the evening it completed a Nov. 13 meeting approved a revision to its Fiscal Year 2026 budget after officials said the district’s funded weighted average daily membership (ADM) was 556 students lower than projected.
Aaron Whittle, the district’s chief financial officer, told the board the state’s base level funding for FY2026 is $5,113.26 per weighted ADM and that the 556‑student shortfall reduced the district’s maintenance and operations (M&O) control limit by roughly $2.8 million. Whittle said the drop reflects multiple factors — both local and statewide enrollment trends — and is measured from July 1 through the state apportionment on Nov. 15.
Whittle reviewed how Arizona’s funding formulas work, noting the difference between unweighted and weighted ADM (special‑education and other group weights increase funded counts) and the role of the transportation support limit (TSL) and transportation revenue control limit (TRCL) in determining how much state versus local tax revenue funds transportation. He also described other budget elements the board revised, including an increase to the district’s budget balance carryforward based on finalized AFR figures and an increase to district additional assistance (DAA) capital funds driven by a state recalculation and Prop 123 receipts.
Board members asked for clarity on the timing and causes of the ADM change. Whittle said there is no single identifiable cause, explained that kindergarten and preschool are funded at lower weights (for example, half‑day kindergarten counts as 0.5 ADM), and reiterated the state deadlines for budget submissions: the revision must be uploaded by Dec. 15, and a final revision is due by May 15.
President Trujillo moved to approve the FY2026 budget revision; the motion was seconded and adopted by recorded aye votes.
The board’s action brings the revised M&O and DAA figures forward for state reporting and sets the district’s spending limits under Arizona law. Officials said they will continue monthly monitoring of ADM and return with the May revision if further adjustments are needed.