June 29, 2004
The Gilbert Unified School District plans to spend $172,968,184 in fiscal 2004-05, considerably less than last year’s $268,418,530. Taxpayers, however, should not expect a drop in their taxes anytime soon.
The district is proposing an increase in its primary property tax levy of $1,160,342 — on a $100,000 home, an increase from $28 to $38.
The district’s governing board will address the concerns of taxpayers in a forum 11 a.m. Thursday at the district’s offices at 140 S. Gilbert Road. After the forum, the board is expected to adopt the proposed budget.
Although the district is spending less all around, it is increasing investment in students with proposed increased funding for special-education programs and classroom instruction, said assistant superintendent Clyde Dangerfield, who came up with the budget. The district will increase its spending on each student by 7 percent under the proposed budget.
Items the district will buy include software to enable teachers to benchmark student performance monthly to ensure students are on track to pass Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards.
"This is really a way to make sure no child is left behind," Superintendent Brad Barrett said. "The software allows teachers to adjust their instruction as needed to make sure students succeed."
