Arizona’s Proposed Budget and What it Means for Charter Students

Original Arizona State Capitol building at 1700 W Washington Street in Phoenix, Arizona on August 6, 2014

The FY2017 budget is now underway in Senate Appropriations while the House continues work on its budget. As introduced, the Senate budget bills show a cut to charter schools through the continuation of Small School Weight reductions for charter networks.

The Association is fervently working to freeze the Small School Weight reductions for FY17 and restore the Additional Assistance reductions taken from charter schools during the recession. Freezing the Small School Weight reductions and restoring Additional Assistance money is crucial to maintaining the strength of Arizona’s charter movement.

Here is an initial update on what is in the proposed Senate language.

There is still much work to be done and plenty of opportunities for amendments:

Base level funding: Two scenarios exist, depending on the outcome of Proposition 123.

If Prop 123 passes:

  • FY16 – $28.3 million for charter schools in FY16. In this scenario, charter schools would see an immediate boost to funding for this fiscal year. As written in Prop 123 language, the base level will increase to $3,600 per student.
  • FY17 – $39.8 million for charter schools in FY17. The base level will increase to $3,635.64, which provides schools with an additional $35.64 per student above the $3,600 base level funding provided in the ballot initiative.
  • If Prop 123 fails: Funding would be cut by $4.8 million for charter schools. As you may remember, last session the legislature provided a one-time boost to base level funding. Because of this, base level funding would only increase to $3,460.66, which is a $20.39 cut per charter student.

Charter additional assistance increase — Regardless of the outcome of Proposition 123, charter schools will see a $3 million boost to additional assistance.

  • K-8: $17.18 increase ($1,752.10)
  • 9-12: $20.02 increase ($2,042.04)

All of this information dates back to the Senate budget introduced on April 26, 2016 and is expected to undergo substantial revisions. Check back for updates to use if your FY17 planning, as we know the proposed language will change.

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