Gilbert Public Schools board approves FY2026 budget revision after enrollment gain
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Summary
Board approved Budget Revision No. 2 for FY2026 after staff reported a net increase in budget capacity driven by a 523-student gain (offsetting an earlier projected 1,300-student loss), adjustments to M&O and unrestricted capital, and updated averages used to recalculate teacher-salary metrics.
The Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board voted to approve Budget Revision No. 2 for fiscal year 2026 after staff reported higher-than-expected enrollment that improved the district's budget capacity.
Finance staff said the district had anticipated a 1,300-student loss when the budget was adopted but instead recorded a net gain of 523 students in average daily membership and weighted student count. That change increased the maintenance and operations (M&O) revenue control limit and contributed to a net budget capacity increase staff described as approximately $7,480,000 across revisions.
Bonny Betts, presenting the quarterly and monthly financials, summarized the effect and highlighted state-aid timing issues that affect fiscal-year cash flow. "We attracted back 523 students, which I think is a big celebration associated with our budget," Betts said, noting that the district had also earned more interest and adjusted a planned transfer to maximize unrestricted capital.
Board discussion and vote: Staff walked the board through changes to unrestricted capital (including the removal of an earlier $3,000,000 transfer to M&O), expectations for classroom-site funds, and a CTED/EVIT intergovernmental-agreement update. The board moved to approve the revision; the clerk announced the motion, it was seconded, and the board voted to adopt the revision during the meeting.
Teacher-pay context: Staff explained that turnover and the mix of retirements and hires affect the district's reported average teacher salary. Although the district previously authorized a 2.5% pay increase, the recalculated average teacher salary showed a net change of 1.03 percent year over year because of staffing turnover; staff said funds from turnover savings could be used to support future pay steps.
Outcome and next steps: The board approved Budget Revision No. 2; staff will finalize the revision documents and circulate signed approvals. Staff said they will use updated ADM and revenue figures when preparing next year's budget materials.
