Duncan Unified board warns capital funds limited as district faces large bus and curriculum costs

Duncan Unified District Superintendent Eldon Merrell told the board on July 14 that the district’s capital fund had benefited in recent years from federal COVID relief and Excess Tax receipts but that those sources are no longer available to the same extent. He said recurring capital needs and occasional large purchases mean the Capital budget will be more constrained in 2025–26.

Merrell cited two recent examples of high-cost items that can rapidly deplete available capital: a new district bus (estimated at about $285,000) and a curriculum adoption (estimated about $75,000). He reported the district expects to receive $204,000 in capital funds next year, which he said "doesn't go very far" for those kinds of purchases.

Board members discussed potential ways to support staff retention as a way to limit recruitment costs. Member James Hughes proposed structured retention payments after two, five and 10 years of service; the high school principal suggested tying incentives to goal achievement, and the elementary principal suggested using additional funds to help with insurance-related costs. Clerk Holly McCluskey asked that long-term substitutes also be considered in any retention strategy.

Merrell noted operational needs also include ongoing projects—carpeting across the district—and transportation maintenance: four buses previously failed inspection but have been repaired and will be sent to Safford for re-inspection next week. The board did not take a binding vote on retention incentives at this meeting; the budget discussion was listed as an information item and will inform upcoming budget planning and priorities.

Next steps: administration will incorporate these constraints into the coming year’s budget planning and return with proposals (and any required policy or pay-structure changes) for board consideration.