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Board approves revision to FY 2026–27 budget after early enrollment shortfall
Summary
Tempe Elementary School Board voted to adopt a revision to the FY 2026–27 expenditure budget after district finance staff reported an early enrollment decline of about 3–4% and new one-time state funds. The board approved the revision 4–1.
Tempe Elementary School Board voted to approve a revised FY 2026–27 expenditure budget on Aug. 5 after district finance staff reported enrollment running below June projections and outlined options to preserve staffing.
Chief Financial Officer Eric Thompson told the board the district used preliminary state budget forms in June and that the legislature subsequently provided one-time funds the district will include in the revision. Thompson said early attendance counts show a larger-than-expected drop: "right now it's more of a 3 to 4% decrease rather than a 2%." He noted funding is ultimately based on counts taken over the first 100 days of school and that special education weights could offset some headcount declines.
Board members pressed staff on the timing and implications of the drop. The CFO confirmed the district began formally dropping students who had not shown up after 10 consecutive school days and cited specific school-level impacts. He also reminded the board the district entered the year with approximately $18 million in carryforward reserves and said the district could perform a December revision if enrollment and revenue warrant further changes.
The board moved to approve the revision (moved by Miss Ewers, seconded by Mr. Lemon) and recorded four ayes and one nay. The motion adopted the changes as presented; staff said they will continue monitoring enrollment and bringing any further necessary adjustments back to the board.
