Gilbert School Districts Boost Instructional Spending Per Student, Audit Finds

Instructional spending in Gilbert's three main school districts saw a notable increase per student in the fiscal year 2022-23, despite a dip in the proportion of overall budgets dedicated to this area, according to the Arizona Auditor General's recent analysis.

Gilbert Public Schools, Chandler Unified School District, and Higley Unified School District all invested more dollars per student compared to the previous fiscal year, with the state average for per-student spending also rising.

However, the percentage of the total budget allocated to instructional spending decreased in Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler Unified, with only Higley Unified showing an improvement in this metric.

In absolute terms, Gilbert Public Schools increased its per-student spending by $915, reaching $6,600, although its budgetary share for instruction dropped slightly. Chandler Unified saw a $653 rise to $6,439 per student, with a minor percentage decrease, while Higley Unified's spending per student went up by $661 to $5,975, and its percentage of budget dedicated to instruction climbed by 0.8%.

The overall classroom spending, which includes student and instructional support alongside direct instructional expenses, also rose in dollar terms across all three districts. Nonetheless, Gilbert Public Schools experienced a slight decline in the proportion of its budget spent on classroom activities.

Operational efficiency, as assessed by the auditor general, revealed varied performance across the districts, with Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified generally spending less in administrative areas compared to peers. Chandler Unified, however, was found to spend more on plant operations and transportation per mile.

Teacher salaries in these districts were also reported, with Chandler Unified School District leading with an average salary of $70,845, followed by Higley Unified School District and then Gilbert Public Schools, which closely mirrored the state average.

Gilbert Seeks to Honor Outstanding Volunteers with MVP Awards

Gilbert is once again celebrating the spirit of volunteerism within its community through the second annual Gilbert Volunteer MVP Awards, a program designed to acknowledge individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving others.

With six awards available, the town is calling on various sectors, including nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, schools, businesses, and community members, to nominate volunteers who exemplify Gilbert's core values of being driven, kind, bold, and humble.

Special categories this year include the Youth Volunteer of the Year and the Gilbert Kindness Group Award, highlighting the town's focus on encouraging volunteerism across all age groups and collective efforts that foster a culture of kindness.

The nomination window is open until March 22, and those interested in nominating a deserving volunteer or group can find more information and submit their nominations through Gilbert's dedicated awards webpage.

Phoenix to Host 41st St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire: A Cultural Extravaganza

Phoenix is set to paint the town green with its 41st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire, bringing a touch of Irish cheer to the heart of the city on March 16, 2024. The festivities kick off with the parade at 10 a.m., weaving through Downtown Phoenix along 3rd Street, from Oak St. to the verdant expanse of Margaret T Hance Park.

The celebration continues at Hance Park, where the Faire invites attendees to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of Irish culture. The day-long event promises a lively showcase of traditional Irish music, intricate step dancing performances, the stirring sounds of bagpipers, and an array of booths hosted by Irish organizations and the broader community. Whether you're of Irish descent or simply in the spirit to celebrate, the Faire offers a vibrant slice of Ireland in the heart of Phoenix.

For more details on the parade route, Faire activities, and how you can be part of the festivities, visit stpatricksdayphoenix.org.

More Info: https://stpatricksdayphoenix.org/

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