Budget Reduction Process
Facing a $3 million shortfall, Balsz School District is engaging the community in a transparent and inclusive process to address its budget challenges.
Working together to navigate enrollment changes while keeping our students first
Dear Balsz families and community members,
Due to a significant and ongoing decline in enrollment over the past five years, our district is facing a $3 million budget reduction for the 2025–2026 school year. We are committed to a process that is transparent, equitable and guided by input from our community.
This page outlines the steps we’re taking, how you can get involved and where to find the latest updates.
— Dr. George Barnes, Superintendent
🆕 Update 3/05/2026
Dear Balsz Elementary School District Families and Community,
At the February Governing Board Meeting, the Governing Board approved the repurposing of Brunson-Lee Elementary School. Beginning in the 2026/27 school year, the campus will reopen as Brunson Lee Academy, a STEM-focused school serving students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Brunson Lee Academy will welcome students from across all district attendance boundaries through an Open Enrollment application process. As part of our ongoing communication, I met with Brunson-Lee families on Wednesday, March 4th, to share updates regarding the transition and proposed boundary changes.
As a result of this transition, the Governing Board will be presented on March 17th with proposed adjustments to elementary school attendance boundaries to support balanced enrollment and effective planning for the 2026/27 school year.
The proposed additions to the Griffith Elementary School attendance boundary include:
40th Street / McDowell Area
- Between 40th Street and 42nd Street
- South of McDowell Road
- North of Belleview Street
48th Street / McDowell Area
- Between SR 143 and 52nd Street
- South of McDowell Road
- North of the Loop 202
52nd Street / Oak Street Area
- Between 52nd Street and 64th Street
- South of Oak Street
- North of Belleview Street
These proposed boundary adjustments are part of our next steps following the budget reduction process and are designed to ensure thoughtful planning as we open Brunson-Lee Academy while continuing to provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students.
The March 17th Governing Board Meeting is open to the public:
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 17th at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Location: Balsz School District Office, Governing Board Room, 4825 East Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008. Or Join virtually via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89175027097
The full agenda for the meeting can be viewed at balsz.org/agenda.
Thank you for your continued partnership and engagement.
Sincerely,
Dr. George J. Barnes
Superintendent
Balsz Elementary School District #31
Why is This Happening?
Arizona’s public-school funding is based on student enrollment. Over the past five years, Balsz has seen a 25% decrease in student enrollment. This decline translates into less funding for classrooms, staff and services.
At the same time, operational costs have increased, and state funding has not kept pace. To continue delivering high-quality learning experiences, we must make difficult decisions to realign resources with our current enrollment levels.
How to Get Involved
📅 Attend a Public Meeting
Next Public Meeting:
Governing Board Meeting
March 17th, starts at 6:30 PM
Balsz District Office, 4825 East Roosevelt Street (zoom link)
✉️ Share Your Input Anytime
Can't attend in person? We want to hear from you!
Email us:
Call us: (602) 629-6400
✓ We'll respond within 24 hours
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to a budget process that is:
Transparent — We will clearly share data, proposals and decisions.
Inclusive — We will gather input from staff, families and the community.
Student-centered — We will prioritize educational quality and equity.
Timely — We will communicate key dates and decisions as they unfold.
What’s the Process?
- 1. Establish Purpose and Guiding Parameters (September 2024)
- 2. Initial Data Gathering and Analysis (September 2025)
- 3. Impact Assessment (October 2025)
- 4. Develop Budget Reduction Scenarios (October 2025 – January 2026)
- 5. Stakeholder Engagement (October 2025 – January 2026)
- 6. Decision-Making Process (January and February 2026)
1. Establish Purpose and Guiding Parameters (September 2024)
2. Initial Data Gathering and Analysis (September 2025)
3. Impact Assessment (October 2025)
4. Develop Budget Reduction Scenarios (October 2025 – January 2026)
5. Stakeholder Engagement (October 2025 – January 2026)
6. Decision-Making Process (January and February 2026)
Meeting Materials and Videos
📋 Board Meetings & Presentations
📄BUDGET UPDATE (FEB 19, 2026) - ENG
📄BUDGET UPDATE (FEB 19, 2026) - SOMALI
📄BUDGET UPDATE (FEB 19, 2026) - SPANISH
📄BUDGET UPDATE (JAN 21, 2026) SOMALI
📄BUDGET UPDATE (JAN 21, 2026) SPA
📄Board Study Session (Jan 20, 2026)
🎬 Board Meeting Video SPA (Nov 18, 2025)
🎬 BOARD MEETING VIDEO ENG (NOV 18, 2025)
📄 Board Presentation (NOV 18, 2025)
📄 Board Study Session (NOV 6, 2025)
📄 BOARD STUDY SESSION (OCT 28, 2025)
📊 Budget Data & Reports
📄 BESD BUDGET REDUCTION UPDATE (JAN 15, 2026) ENG
📄BESD Budget Reduction Update (Jan 15, 2026) SPA
📄BESD BUDGET REDUCTION UPDATE (JAN 15, 2026) Somali
UPDATES ON BUDGET DATA AND OPTIONS 1/6/26
📄 Enrollment by School (2025-26)
📄 BUDGET REDUCTION (SPECIAL EDUCATION)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
Why is enrollment declining?
Like many districts across the country, Balsz is experiencing a population shift due to factors such as housing costs, declining birth rates and family mobility.
Will schools be closed?
No decisions have been made. All options are being studied, but no schools have been identified for closure at this time.
When will decisions be made?
The Governing Board will consider proposals in spring 2025. Any changes would take effect in the 2025–2026 school year.
More questions? Read the full FAQ above!
Stay informed
We will update this page regularly as new information becomes available. You can also follow us on Facebook for future updates as they become available.