The amount of money Arizona school districts spend on classroom teaching continued to fall in 2024.
Spending on classroom teaching fell from 53.4% in FY 2023 to 52.6% in FY2024.
That’s according to the latest findings from the state’s auditor general.
The report found that spending on individual students increased despite the overall drop.
Most districts reported an increase in teacher salaries, but about 38% saw decreases.
Statewide there was a decline in enrollment, which is closely tied to how much money districts get.
Chuck Essigs is a lobbyist for the Arizona Association of School Business Officials. He says districts are having to spend more money on other things to keep schools open, like utilities.
"The utility companies in Arizona have raised their rates, which everyone is kind of aware of. And the weather has not been friendly to school districts," Essigs said.
Arizona spends less on administrative costs than the national average.
