Sunnyside Unified School District’s Governing Board approved the district's 2025-26 budget, which increases funding for school safety, student programs and the arts thanks to a modest rise in state support and restored one-time funds.

The budget was approved by a vote of 4-0 earlier this month, as the district prepares for a bond election this fall and navigates the loss of millions in federal and state grants. Board member Consuelo Hernandez was not present for the vote.

The governing board also discussed recent changes to the state budget. Despite projections of a $1.88 billion shortfall over the next two years, state lawmakers made adjustments to prevent cuts to school funding, including shifting $200 million from next year’s budget to cover this year’s gap. As a result, Sunnyside will receive a modest increase in state funding.

The budget for the 2025-26 school year assumes student enrollment will remain steady. It includes a $4.4 million increase in general operations, driven by a 2% rise in the base support level and additional carryforward funds from last year. However, some state funding sources like Prop 123 have decreased, offsetting part of these gains.

Prop 123, which increased funding for K-12 education from the State Land Trust, expired on June 30, reducing the funding level from 6.9% to 2.5%.

Funding for classroom programs rose by $2 million, while additional state assistance increased by $1.6 million. The district also expects to lose more than $7 million in federal and state grants, including reductions tied to the end of pandemic-era relief funding. To offset these losses, Sunnyside will use $2.5 million from other funding sources and limited reserves.

The district’s qualifying tax rate dropped slightly from $1.5930 to $1.5606, but this will not affect overall tax revenue collected.

Previously cut one-time funding has been restored for the upcoming year, helping the district maintain essential services for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch as well as general operating expenses critical to school operations.

Sunnyside has allocated about $2.4 million toward school safety initiatives, including campus monitors and crossing guards.

Nearly $1.9 million will fund librarians and IT technicians. More than $3.5 million will support music, art, dance, physical education and athletic programs throughout the district, programs that many Arizona districts have cut in recent years.

The district will also continue to provide schools access to building renewal grants, which help fund repairs and upgrades to aging facilities.

Looking ahead, the district's November 2025 bond election will ask voters to approve funding for major facility upgrades, new technology and transportation improvements across Sunnyside schools.

District officials say the bond, if approved, will allow the district to replace aging infrastructure, modernize classrooms with up-to-date equipment and improve energy efficiency — all without increasing the current tax rate.

Any adjustments to the budget due to changes in enrollment, grant allocations or revenues will be reflected in a December 2025 revision. The district’s Food Service Fund is expected to maintain a positive cash balance, with revenues sufficient to meet program needs in the coming year.

McKenna Manzo is a University of Arizona alum and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at mckennamanzo@arizona.edu.

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