Finance staff told the governing board on Feb. 10 that early FY27 projections show an M&O limit near $91.5 million, roughly $7 million in available ongoing revenue, and proposed a 3% raise for continuing staff along with $57,000 starting pay for first-year teachers.
After discussion about staffing shortages and exit-survey work, the board approved the personnel schedule (4
, 1 Nay), adopted teacher contract language, and approved compensation plans that raise new-hire placement by 1.5% and propose a 3% ongoing raise for continuing staff.
Superintendent Dr. Lopman told the board about $4,600+ in STEM grants for two teachers, a parent workshop with Doves Network on online safety, students selected for a regional orchestra festival, and Hanover Safety Survey results showing input from more than 2,400 respondents and a 7% increase in perceived safety.
Principal Christine Dickinson told the board Butterfield Elementary is a Cognia‑certified STEAM academy focusing on integrating STEAM into tier‑1 instruction; teachers are using Navi common formative assessments to guide reteach and small‑group work, with mixed assessment changes reported across several fourth‑grade standards.
After community input and a naming committee process, the Maricopa Unified School District board unanimously approved naming its new K–8 school 'Alma Ferrell Innovation Academy,' approved boundary adjustments for 2026–27, and authorized an owner-initiated change order to expand workforce development space at Maricopa High School.
Following a public hearing, the Maricopa Unified School District governing board unanimously approved a December revision to the FY2026 budget; presenters said enrollment is below projection, one‑time funds offset some losses, and no midyear staffing cuts are necessary.
The board reviewed proposed attendance boundaries for the districts first K-8 and received an Applied Economics demographic report that projected a wide range of possible opening enrollments, centering near 440.
Maricopa Unified School District officials presented plans to expand the Maricopa High workforce development project by renovating the historic gym and adding an Ed Professions lab and campus-based preschool.
The Maricopa Unified School District board adopted the meeting agenda, approved the consent agenda and approved the personnel schedule; the board then voted to convene an executive session to discuss a student disciplinary matter as listed on the agenda.
Teachers from Desert Sunrise High presented a CTE hospitality-management lesson integrating math and ELA standards; presenter Miss Jen Celina said CFA data showed 91% of students scored 100% on an initial CFA and that figure rose to 95% after reteach, illustrating the programs data-driven instruction.