MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — For the first time, Mesa Public Schools invited the community to share input on the district’s budget, aiming to increase transparency.Tyler Moore, the school district’s chief business officer, led the meeting, outlining the district’s top five funding priorities and challenges.“If we make this a long-term run, and the board blesses me with another contract and another contract, it’s very unlikely that we will not be in a position where at some point, I’ll h...
MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — For the first time, Mesa Public Schools invited the community to share input on the district’s budget, aiming to increase transparency.
Tyler Moore, the school district’s chief business officer, led the meeting, outlining the district’s top five funding priorities and challenges.
“If we make this a long-term run, and the board blesses me with another contract and another contract, it’s very unlikely that we will not be in a position where at some point, I’ll have to face that. We’ll have to face it as a governing board, and we’ll have to face it together as a community,” said Superintendent Matt Strom when responding to a question about closing or repurposing schools in the future. He just stepped into the role over the summer.
“I’m a concerned parent. My son is in second grade. He is on the autism spectrum,” said Jason Smithson. He was one of a few dozen people who attended the meeting to learn about the district’s budget process and how the money is allocated. He wanted to know what comes next after hearing about the possibility of cutting about 40 administrative positions.
“At the end of the day, it’s not ideal to have to do that, yet we have to make sure that schools stay open for our students,” said Smithson.
Last month, Arizona’s Family reported that the district projects a budget shortfall between $9 million and $18 million. It has also seen a drop in attendance and is facing possible job cuts.
A district spokesperson said it is working to avoid having to close any schools, like has been the case in some other Valley districts.
“I’m very hopeful, and I look forward to working with Dr. Strom. I think he is a great fit as the superintendent. With him on the board, they’re going to do everything that they possibly can to make sure we don’t fall into the same hole as Kyrene (and) Scottsdale, and have to close schools,” said Smithson. He believes meetings like this are a step in the right direction.
“Especially if people show up. Ask questions as a community. That is all we can do. We can hold the board and Dr. Strom accountable,” said Smithson.
The next community budget meeting will be in December.
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