MUSD’s response to proposed legislative funding cuts

Maricopa Unified School District employees, students, parents and community members:

The Arizona Legislature has formalized budgetary cuts for fiscal year 2009, and it is in the process of adopting proposals for subsequent budgetary years. The Maricopa Unified School District is sending this communication to all stakeholders, stating one basic commitment related to this situation and to comment on the potentially difficult financial decisions faced by the District.

· The District is committed to keeping any proposed cuts as far away from classroom personnel as possible. The work of our instructional staff is paramount, and we are focused on solutions that protect the personnel directly impacting student achievement.

We are confident that we will weather this challenge and continue to be a leader in education. It is important to realize that Maricopa Unified has planned well and is positioned to meet the challenges of this statewide financial crisis better than many Arizona school districts. Several legislative cuts proposed for the 2009-2010 school year will have a minimal or no effect on the District while others may be more significant. Here is a brief summary of the proposed legislative cuts:

· Elimination of Unrestricted Capital Funds – We have not used our capital funds (desks, paper, computers and other supplies) to pay for personnel like many other districts. Additionally we purchased textbooks and technology for anticipated growth needs. Capital and supply purchases will be affected.

· Career Ladder Funds – the District does not participate in this incentive program.

· Teacher Experience Index Funds – the District does not qualify for these additional funds because of the average experience level of our certified staff members.

· Desegregation Funding – the District is one of 19 Arizona school districts that receive funding from an Office of Civil Rights court decision. This funding is targeted for elimination.

· Full-Day Funding for Kindergarten – the District will be impacted by the decrease in state funding and an option for a tuition-based ½ day option may be necessary.

· Shortened School Week or School Year – the District may have to adjust salaries and work agreements to reflect the reduced state funding. Additional pressure will be placed on families who are in need of childcare.

· Decrease in the State’s Per-Pupil Allocation – the District’s Maintenance and Operation Budget will be impacted by any change to this funding. 80% of the Maintenance and Operation Fund is used to fund personnel salary and benefits.

· Growth – the District continues to grow and additional students mean more funds.

· Title I Funds – the changes in our District’s demographic information (higher population of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch) will likely position us to receive additional funding from this federal program.

· Moratorium on New School Buildings – the District has adequate classroom space for our present student population and also space for projected growth.

The Maricopa Unified School District like all Arizona school districts is in uncharted waters, but we are not rudderless. We have resources, and we have a very committed staff. Our thinking and planning will be important in our navigation of this storm. But like all storms it will end, and our intent is to make decisions that will position us to regain our charted course for making Maricopa Unified School District a national district of choice. We will explore all viable options, and we encourage all of our stakeholders to consider how you can assist us to meet the District mission of Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders during this period of unrest.

Yours in education,

Dr. John Flores, Superintendent

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Have an opinion you’d like to share with Maricopa? Please email it and any applicable photos to [email protected] for consideration.