TUSD, Sunnyside & CatFoot Set to Decide on Crucial Budget Revisions

As the school year draws to a close, local districts are moving forward with significant budget revisions. Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) plans to vote on an artificial intelligence policy while Sahuarita reviews its privately managed water system, along with other key developments from Tucson’s government meetings.

Three major school districts are set to revise their budgets for the current fiscal year. The Sunnyside Unified School District Governing Board is considering a spending increase of over $7 million, fueled mainly by unexpected federal funding. Meanwhile, TUSD anticipates a budget boost exceeding $40 million, largely due to the sale of $36 million in bonds. The Catalina Unified School District plans to transfer $624,604 from capital funds to operations, despite a small decline in student enrollment, which has affected its available revenue.

School districts are permitted to alter their budgets at defined intervals during the fiscal year, unlike counties and cities that are bound by their approved tentative budgets. However, uncertainty looms as the Arizona Legislature is unlikely to finalize a budget before Memorial Day, complicating districts’ efforts in preparing their fiscal years for 2025-2026. These complications arise particularly from uncertainty around the state’s financial support, which is vital for planning.

Student funding is calculated through average daily membership, but administrators note this metric often underrepresents actual enrollment numbers. TUSD currently reports a daily membership that is 588 students less than projections, leading to reduced available funds. Conversely, Sunnyside’s daily membership shows an increase of 50 students compared to December, resulting in higher federal aid than the initial budget suggested.

In an effort to attract more students, TUSD is introducing a plan to provide bus transportation for students attending through open enrollment. If approved, this initiative would make it easier for families within Sunnyside boundaries to access TUSD schools, which historically lacked bus services.

TUSD’s board will also finalize a new artificial intelligence policy. This policy takes a cautious approach, emphasizing monitoring and oversight in AI usage. Teachers can utilize AI-enhanced materials but must pre-approve all content before classroom implementation. This reflects a broader trend of caution toward technology in education.

Meanwhile, the Catalina Foothills School District plans to vote on updates to its fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, including a notable $75,000 allocation for rising insurance costs, and the purchase of three Micro Bird buses valued at $494,559. Flowing Wells Unified School District will also propose a plan to create a voluntary sick leave donation pool for staff, along with various compensation adjustments for district employees.

Sahuarita Town Council will receive an update on its partnership with Global Water Resources, which oversees the town’s water system. This collaboration was formalized in 2022 to streamline the acquisition of the Farmers Water Co. system serving 3,400 customers. The annual report will highlight accomplishments, including a master plan completion and new water meter installations.

The council will also vote on a name change for the water management entity; the Global Water Farmers District will be rebranded as the “Global Water Saguaro District.” Such initiatives showcase Sahuarita’s willingness to innovate within its governance.