Arizona Public Schools See Administrative Spending Rise Faster Than Classroom Costs Amid Falling Enrollment

Across Arizona, traditional public school districts have increased per-student spending on administration more than twice as fast as per-student spending on instruction over the past six years, according to an analysis by The Beam and Cronkite News. This trend has emerged even as total student enrollment in these schools has declined.

From 2019 to 2025, per-student administration spending, which includes salaries for administrators and clerical staff, along with other services, saw a 16% increase when adjusted for inflation. In contrast, per-student instruction spending rose by only 7% during the same period. Over these six years, total student enrollment in Arizona’s traditional public schools decreased by 6%.

Many of the state’s largest public school districts reflect this pattern, showing a rise in administration spending while instruction spending either decreases or fails to keep pace. Gilbert Public Schools exemplifies this trend: per-student administration spending there increased by 19% from 2019 to 2025, while per-student instruction spending rose by 6%, based on an analysis by The Beam that adjusted Arizona Auditor General data for inflation.

Dawn Mackay, chief communications and community engagement officer for Gilbert Public Schools, described the shift in spending as a result of the district “right-sizing” in response to falling student numbers. Mackay noted that as enrollment declines, fewer instructional staff are needed, but essential administrative positions—such as principals, attendance officers, payroll, human resources, and safety personnel—provide core operational oversight and ensure compliance with federal and state mandates that cannot be reduced proportionally. Gilbert’s student population has decreased by 9.6%, or more than 3,000 students, since 2020. During this time, former Superintendent Shane McCord's base salary increased from $210,583 in 2020 to $240,000 in 2025, a raise of more than $29,000. For comparison, the average teacher salary at Gilbert Public Schools rose from $57,164 in 2019 to $62,926 in 2025, an increase of just under $6,000 over six years.

Chandler Unified School District also experienced a similar pattern, with per-student administration spending increasing by 20% while per-student instruction spending rose by 4%. The district did not respond to inquiries.

State law dictates that funding for public school districts is determined by a formula based on student population. This means shrinking student numbers often lead to reduced budgets. Peter Boyle, senior director for education at the Center for the Future of Arizona, explained that instruction costs typically track enrollment figures, while administration costs are frequently fixed. Boyle noted this dynamic would have a greater impact on smaller districts than on larger ones.

Antelope Union High School District, located east of Yuma, illustrates the challenges faced by smaller districts. From 2019 to 2025, per-student administration spending in the district grew by 41%, while per-student instruction spending decreased by 5%. The district, serving approximately 190 students, was declared insolvent and placed under state receivership in June 2023 due to six years of budget overspending and nearly $1.5 million in debt. It remains at high financial risk.

As a condition of receivership, Antelope Union developed a financial improvement plan submitted to the Arizona State Board of Education. This plan included the elimination of a universal free meal program, a measure projected to save between $15,000 and $20,000 in its first year. In the 2025-26 school year, 74% of the district's students qualified for free or reduced-price meals. From 2023 to 2025, total administration spending in the district increased from $249,000 to $306,000. In 2024, Superintendent and acting principal Michael Deiana was hired with a base salary $4,000 higher than his predecessor.

Deiana stated that the district does not deny students lunches and is actively seeking donors or other solutions to fully fund a school meal program. However, by April, the program's low participation raised concerns about its long-term sustainability. Deiana communicated to parents that a significant decrease in meals served posed risks to both student nutrition and the cafeteria program. Deiana plans to present a six-year strategic plan to the school board in November, but did not specify any changes to the meal program's status. The district aims to apply for an exit from state receivership in December, while also developing long-term budget and facility maintenance plans. In addition to the meal program, Antelope Union has made curriculum cuts and reduced administration office positions from six to five. Deiana remarked, “I’m bare bones. I don’t know what else to cut.”

The financial pressures have directly impacted students and families. Andrew Wolford, who moved his family to Yuma County in 2023, found that his son, who has an individualized education program for a learning disability, faced challenges at Antelope Union. Wolford eventually removed his son from the district and enrolled him in an online charter school mid-year. He noted the removal of electives, such as music and art, which he described as forms of self-expression for children, leaving sports as the primary extracurricular option. Wolford felt his son's individualized needs were not adequately met by the district, which stated it was doing all it could offer.