February 10, 2026 Governing Board Meeting

The Maricopa Unified Governing Board held a meeting on February 10, 2026, focusing primarily on budget planning and personnel matters for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27. The board received a detailed preview of the fiscal year 27 budget, highlighting key drivers such as a 2% increase in the base funding per weighted student, a slight decrease in state retirement contribution rates, and a proposed 3% salary increase for all staff, including raising the base salary for first-year teachers to $57,000. The budget also accounted for new positions related to district growth and the opening of a new school, Alma Ferrell Innovation Academy, with nearly $2.7 million allocated for these roles. Additional budget considerations included setting aside funds for inflation, health insurance increases, and enhanced cyber insurance coverage. The board discussed and approved personnel schedules, teacher contracts with unchanged language from the previous year, and employee compensation plans reflecting a 1.5% increase for new hires and a 3% raise for existing staff. The meeting included motions and votes approving these budget and personnel items, demonstrating a commitment to competitive compensation and strategic staffing to support district growth and educational goals.