MUSD Plans Budget Boost to Tackle Surging Enrollment and Rising Expenses

The Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD) is gearing up for a significant budget increase in response to rapid growth and rising operational costs. During a recent governing board meeting, the proposed budget was introduced, surpassing $87 million for the upcoming fiscal year.

This budget aims to accommodate a growing student population, which has seen a 4.6% enrollment increase in the past year, making MUSD one of the region’s fastest-growing districts. Only Leading Edge Academy, a nearby charter school, surpassed this growth with a 6.4% increase.

Chief Financial Officer Jacob Harmon highlighted that inflation alone will add $353,277 to operational costs this year. Additionally, the district anticipates increases in health and property insurance, estimating costs of $410,432 and $47,994, respectively.

However, the most significant financial strain arises from proposed salary increases for teachers and staff. MUSD is advocating for a 5% pay raise across the board, amounting to $3.3 million. Notably, first-year teachers would see their salaries rise from $54,000 to $56,000.

MUSD Vice President Patti Coutré emphasized the importance of competitive salaries, stating that many 12-month employees struggle with basic living costs, hampering the district’s ability to attract and retain talent. “Our ability to keep qualified candidates hinges on offering livable wages,” Coutré said.