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Phoenix Union board hears budget overview, enrollment decline and accepts FY2024–25 audit with unmodified opinion
Summary
Trustees received a budget advisory committee update, a legislative funding briefing and an enrollment forecast showing a 7–10% decline; the board accepted the FY2024–25 annual financial audit (unmodified opinion) and was told 13 comments were identified with corrective action plans in place.
Trustees at the April 2 Phoenix Union High School District meeting received an extensive budget overview and a legislative update from Dr. Di Alba and his finance team, then publicly accepted the district's FY2024–25 annual financial audit.
Dr. Di Alba told the board that the district's December revision budget totals about $386 million and is composed of multiple revenue streams: a voter‑approved M override (~$31 million), desegregation funding (~$55 million), and a $2.2 million dropout‑prevention allocation. He warned trustees that enrollment decline (roughly 7–10% year‑over‑year at the comparison point cited) is a major pressure and that the district has implemented about $20 million in reductions to smooth operations across this and next fiscal year.
On the legislative front, staff summarized ongoing uncertainty over Prop 123 allocation decisions, debate about whether funds are restricted to classroom teachers or can be more flexibly deployed, the classroom site fund (Prop 301) per‑pupil adjustments, unresolved decisions on additional weight for free/reduced meal counts, and the as‑yet undetermined 2% inflation factor. Staff also highlighted a proposed state reporting requirement for self‑insured employer benefit procurement that could increase administrative workloads.
Later in the meeting, district finance presented its FY2024–25 independent audit and single audit findings. Miss Reese said the district received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion, the highest level of assurance; of 167 compliance questionnaire items auditors tested, the district had 13 comments (down three from the prior year). Corrective action plans are in place; the single audit revealed no significant deficiencies. The board accepted the audit by roll call vote as required by state statute.
Trustees discussed enrollment recruitment strategies, energy and solar studies for potential utility savings, and the need for exit interviews to understand student withdrawals. Superintendent Andrade and staff pointed to an upcoming demographic study and a district town hall on April 23 to solicit community input on budget priorities.
