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Phoenix Union reports 1,748-student enrollment decline; district plans $20 million reduction and previews November override requests
Summary
Superintendent Andrade told the Phoenix Union board that enrollment fell by 1,748 students (7%), requiring an estimated $20 million spending reduction for FY26 and prompting reduction-in-force planning; district staff also summarized uses and remaining authorizations for 2017 and 2023 bonds and previewed a November override continuation push.
Phoenix Union High School District officials told the governing board on Oct. 2 that declining enrollment is forcing near-term budget reductions and planning that could affect staffing.
"Our enrollment has been down over the past three years. This year, we've seen a drop of 1,748 students from this date last year," Superintendent Andrade said, announcing a projected spending reduction of about $20 million for the 2025–26 school year. Andrade said that cut builds on an earlier $8.6 million reduction and that district leaders will prioritize classroom protections while starting reduction-in-force planning; a preliminary list of positions will be shared in December with names to follow in the new year.
Finance staff provided an overview of bond and override funding: the district reported M&O override expenditures near $31 million for FY25 and a similar FY26 budget but warned future revenues will decline with enrollment. The district noted $80 million in rolling additional-assistance resources available for FY26 and summarized remaining 2023 bond authorization and uses (classroom renovations, perimeter fencing, campus facilities and career/technical equipment).
Why it matters: Enrollment-related revenue drives state and local funding formulas; a multi-million-dollar shortfall affects staffing, programming and capital planning across PXU's 23 high schools.
Board reaction and next steps: Board members thanked staff for the overview and asked for a robust communications plan; the superintendent said the RIF planning will begin at district office and that the board can expect a preliminary RIF position list in December and the names in the new year. Finance staff also reminded the public of an M&O override continuation and a DAA override increase on the November ballot and provided a QR code and website for additional election information.
Quote: "Consequently, we plan to reduce spending by another about $20,000,000 for the 25–26 school year," Superintendent Andrade said.
Provenance: Superintendent's report and finance presentation at Oct. 2 governing board meeting.
