QCUSD School Finance Quarterly

Each fall, Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) completes its Annual Financial Report (AFR) which is a state-required summary of the district’s financial activity for the fiscal year ending June 30. Mandated by A.R.S. §15-904, the AFR details revenues, expenditures, and fund balances, and is submitted to the Arizona Auditor General by October 15. The Auditor General uses this data to prepare statewide Classroom Spending Reports, supporting transparency and accountability in school finance.

The AFR captures all expenditures, revenues, and transfers for the year and forms the basis for the district’s audited financial statements. It helps review QCUSD’s overall financial health, ensures internal checks on budgets and expenditures, and identifies trends to guide future planning. The report informs multiple stakeholders including QCUSD leadership, auditors, the Arizona Department of Education, bondholders, the Auditor General’s Office, and the community, all of whom rely on its data to evaluate financial stewardship and district priorities.

For FY25 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), QCUSD reported total expenditures of approximately $227 million across all funding sources with $113.8M in Maintenance & Operations expenditures distributed across program areas consistent with recent year

Capital outlay expenditures totaled $12.8 million, while state-funded new school construction added $57.9 million, supporting major projects such as Mountain Trail Academy as well as classroom additions at Crismon High School, and Eastmark High School, which opened in July for the current school year.

In compliance with A.R.S. §§15-481(Y) and 15-491(K), QCUSD also held its annual public meeting on Bond and M&O Override expenditures. These funds directly support teacher retention, small class sizes, and enriched academic and extracurricular programs. The 2024 voter-approved override renewal takes effect July 1, 2025, with new priority areas to be reported in the FY26 AFR.

The FY25 AFR reinforces QCUSD’s commitment to fiscal transparency, strategic planning, and student success. By optimizing resources and maintaining accountability, the district continues to invest in high-quality instruction, safe learning environments, and sustainable growth for the Queen Creek community.

The updated plan is organized into five main categories:

1. Renovations – updating aging facilities through upgrades and improvements that enhance functionality, safety, and aesthetics.
   
   

2. Planned Maintenance – Scheduled upkeep that prevents costly repairs, extends the life of district assets, and ensures consistent quality across campuses.
   
   

3. Transportation – Supporting the district’s growing student population with safe and reliable transportation options, including bus fleet maintenance and replacement.
   
   

4. Technology – Investing in technology infrastructure to promote digital learning, security, and efficient district operations.
   
   

5. Master Planning – Guiding long-term facility development and ensuring that future schools are thoughtfully planned to serve community growth.

Each element of the capital plan is evaluated through key considerations such as safety, student impact, and the condition of aging assets. QCUSD emphasizes a careful balance between essential needs versus “nice-to-have” improvements, aligning every project with available funding and district priorities.

Budget availability varies each fiscal year, requiring ongoing review and adjustments. Capital projects can be funded through several important sources that enable school districts like QCUSD to maintain and expand their facilities. These include:

• District Additional Assistance (Capital Budget) – Annual state-allocated funds for capital expenses.
  
  

• Bonds – Voter-approved funding measures used for large-scale construction and renovation projects. QCUSD does not currently have a bond in place so these funds are unavailable at this time.
  
  

• Leases – Financing options that allow for gradual acquisition or use of facilities and equipment.
  
  

• Capital Overrides – Locally approved tax measures that provide additional funding beyond state allocations. QCUSD does not currently have a Capital Override in place so these funds are not available to the district at this time. QCUSD does have the M&O Override in place which assists with salaries, staffing and programs.
  
  

• School Facilities Division (SFD) Grants – State grants that support new school construction and building renewal projects through the Arizona School Facilities Division. QCUSD leverages these programs each year to help support the needs of the district.

This updated capital plan ensures the district remains proactive in addressing facility needs, supporting student success, and maintaining community trust. By aligning financial planning with educational priorities, the district is building a sustainable foundation for future generations.

You’re receiving this newsletter as part of Queen Creek Unified School District’s effort to increase transparency and awareness around school finances.

The goal of this newsletter is to provide timely updates from the QCUSD Finance Office keeping you informed about budget decisions, funding priorities, how resources are allocated, and the overall financial health of the District.

Whether it’s understanding how funds are spent, tracking key initiatives, or learning about upcoming financial milestones, we’re here to ensure our community stays connected and informed.

Thank you for staying engaged and helping support our mission of excellence in education through responsible financial stewardship.