Mesa board adopts FY2026–27 proposed budget after hearing on enrollment decline; adjacent‑ways levy outlined

The Mesa Public Schools governing board voted to adopt the district's proposed fiscal 2026–27 budget after a presentation from the district’s finance team explaining enrollment assumptions and contingency plans.

Mr. Moore, the district finance lead, told the board the district is planning conservatively for a projected decline of about 2,400 students and estimated a budget impact of roughly $13.7 million tied to formula adjustments. "This proposed budget reflects a balance between meeting today's needs and planning responsibility for the future," Moore said, noting the district will return in December with revisions reflecting final state forms and any additional legislative changes.

Highlights and assumptions presented to the board included a 2% increase in the state base funding multiplier, an increase in the classroom site fund calculation, and recognition that some state one‑time supplements (a free/reduced supplement) would be added at the first revision. The district also discussed capital funding (DAA) and an anticipated reduction in capital allocations due to enrollment formulas, projecting a $1.4 million decline in that capacity.

The presentation outlined an "adjacent‑ways" levy the district may use to pay for infrastructure improvements adjacent to schools (curb/sidewalk/fire lanes/access points). The levy would be a one‑time tax impact estimated at approximately $0.11 per $100,000 of assessed value; district staff said assessed‑value growth and declining other tax rates mean the overall tax rate per taxpayer is projected to fall despite the levy.

After the presentation the board moved and seconded the motion to adopt the proposed budget and approved it by voice vote; the clerk recorded, "With a vote of five, yes, you have approved the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget." The board also approved a set of routine items in the same meeting (personnel, consent agenda items) and planned a formal adoption when revised final forms are available.

Votes at a glance (recorded in meeting minutes):
- Proposed FY2026–27 budget: approved, recorded as "vote of five yes" (board clerk announcement). (motion recorded at SEG 4012–4014)
- Personnel requests and consent agenda: approved by voice vote (SEG 3145–3167)

District staff told the board they have already implemented or planned reductions and organizational changes to align operating costs with the conservative revenue forecast; board members praised fiscal prudence while asking staff to preserve classroom priority where possible.

The board's adoption allows the district to post the proposed budget for required public‑notice steps and to return with the formal adopted figures later in the budget calendar.