Arizona School Funding Shifts: What the Latest Audit Reveals
Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) and Higley Unified School District (HUSD) both increased per-pupil spending last year, but a recent audit by the Arizona Auditor General paints a complex picture of how those dollars are allocated. While both districts exceed the state average for classroom spending, the report highlights diverging trends and raises questions about financial priorities.
Classroom Spending: A Tale of Two Districts
The Arizona Auditor General’s annual report shows that GPS spent 72.1 cents of every dollar in the classroom, a slight dip from the previous year. Higley, conversely, increased its classroom spending to 71.3 cents per dollar – a $1.02 increase year-over-year. Classroom spending encompasses instruction, student support, and instructional support.
Despite the slight decrease, GPS’s classroom spending remains above the state average of 68 cents per dollar. Higley also surpasses the state average. Though, the report reveals a significant trend: over 100 Arizona school districts decreased the percentage of total dollars spent on instruction in 2024-25, including GPS.
Instructional Spending Declines in Gilbert, Rises in Higley
GPS’s percentage of total dollars spent on instruction dropped to 57.6 cents for every dollar – the lowest figure since the Auditor General began annual reports in 2001. Higley Unified bucked this trend, increasing its instruction spending to 58.7 cents of every dollar. Both districts still remain above the state average of 52.1 cents.
In terms of actual dollars, GPS increased instructional spending per pupil to $6,251, a $429 increase. Higley raised its spending in this area to $6,650, an increase of $68 per pupil.
The Impact of Declining Enrollment
Both districts experienced enrollment declines, impacting overall funding. GPS lost 963 students (a 3.1% drop), while Higley saw a decrease of 347 students (a 2.8% decline). This reduction in student population occurred alongside rising costs for teacher salaries and school maintenance.
Beyond the Classroom: A Gaze at Total Spending
When considering total per-pupil spending, including non-classroom expenses like administration, transportation, and facilities, the picture shifts. GPS spent $11,548 per student, while Higley spent $10,656. The state average was $12,553.
GPS’s per-pupil spending on administration rose to $976, while Higley’s decreased to $1,033. The report noted GPS has one administrator for every 80 students, more efficient than the state average of 59 students per administrator.
Teacher Salaries: A Growing Divide
Gilbert teachers earned an average annual salary of $66,854, exceeding both the state average ($65,613) and the district’s previous year’s average. However, Higley teachers experienced a significant drop in average salary, earning $59,140 – well below the state average and a substantial decrease from their $67,070 average in 2023-24.
Higley also saw a rise in the percentage of teachers with less than three years of experience, increasing from 13% to 28%.
Looking Ahead: Potential Trends
The Auditor General’s report suggests several potential trends for Arizona school districts. Declining enrollment is a major concern, potentially leading to further funding cuts. Districts will need to uncover ways to maintain or improve educational quality with fewer resources. The increasing gap in teacher salaries between districts could exacerbate teacher shortages in certain areas. Continued monitoring of instructional spending will be crucial to ensure resources are allocated effectively.
FAQ
Q: What does “classroom spending” include?
A: Classroom spending includes instruction, student support, and instructional support.
Q: Did both districts spend more money overall?
A: Yes, both GPS and HUSD increased total per-pupil spending last year, but the percentage allocated to the classroom differed.
Q: What is the state average for classroom spending?
A: The state average is 68 cents of every dollar spent on classrooms.
Q: Why is enrollment decline a concern?
A: Declining enrollment leads to reduced funding for school districts.
Did you realize? GPS’s percentage of total dollars spent on instruction is the lowest it has been since the Auditor General began its annual reports in 2001.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about your local school district’s budget and spending priorities by attending school board meetings and reviewing publicly available financial reports.
Explore more articles on Arizona education funding and school district performance here.
