Phoenix Union High School District is seeing its highest student enrollment in 38 years, with more than 27,000 students enrolled.
Craig Pletenik with PUHSD said 187 more students are enrolled in schools this year. He said because of Arizona’s open enrollment, PUHSD is competing with other districts for those students.
"If they (students) come to your schools, you’re going to be more viable financially," Pletenik said. "And if they don’t come to your schools, you have to start closing schools, and you have to start laying people off."
The increase in student enrollment means an estimated additional $1 million dollars in funding for the district, which will be applied to next year’s budget.
Even with that increase, the district will still be seeking a budget override in November.