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Glendale Elementary District board adopts FY26 budget revision amid continuing enrollment decline
Summary
The governing board approved a FY2026 expenditure budget revision that accounts for recent declines in average daily membership; presenters reported a 274‑ADM shortfall from initial projections, a 3.4% decline this cycle, and warned that reserves and carryforward balances are shrinking.
The Glendale Elementary District governing board voted 3–0 on May 14 to adopt its 2025–26 expenditure budget revision number three after presentations by district finance staff.
Finance staff explained the revision accounts for a net loss of 5 ADM since the prior revision and a larger 274‑student shortfall compared with the district’s initial projection. The district’s actual enrollment decline for the year was described as 3.4% (versus a projected 3.9%), and staff noted long‑term trends: a roughly 40% decline in average daily membership (ADM) since 2013 and a projection of another 22% decline over the next decade, which staff estimated would equal roughly 1,558 students. Presenters said those trends increase fixed‑cost pressure on staffing, special education, facilities and transportation regardless of campus enrollment.
Staff also described how unrestricted capital and fund balances have shifted between categories and the district’s approach to moving certain resources between capital and operational accounts to manage near‑term cash flow. Presenters said the Arizona Auditor General has flagged the district for two risks on its financial‑risk analysis: changes in weighted student counts and the reallocation of capital monies to operations; the auditor added attention to declining carryforward/reserve levels.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the 2025–26 expenditure budget revision number three; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll‑call vote (Miss Wilson: I; Miss Bartell: I; Chair: I).
What comes next: district staff said the budget revisions may continue as the legislature finalizes state funding, and they will monitor student counts and reserves closely. The board scheduled a May 28 special meeting and noted the potential need for future executive sessions on litigation.
