Higley Unified School District spends less on administration than surrounding and comparable districts. HUSD spends about 10 percent of the budget in the Support Services- Administration category, which includes not just administrator salaries but also payroll, purchasing, warehousing, printing, human resource activities, administrative technology services, insurance; and other costs related to these services and the governing board. HUSD administration costs are "Low" compared with similar districts and districts across the state according to the Arizona Auditor General. HUSD has one administrator for every 80 students, while peer district have one per 65 students, and the state average is one per 61. For more information on district spending, see the Auditor General Classroom Spending Report.
 

In the 2024-25 School Year, HUSD has approximately 300 fewer students enrolled than it did the previous year. That is largely because more than 1,000 students graduated in 2024. The incoming kindergarten classes for the 2024-25 School Year total about 680 students. This results in a total enrollment difference between the two school years of about 300. More seniors are graduating each year than there are kindergarteners starting school. This difference in population is related to several factors including lower birthrates nationwide, aging neighborhoods in our communities, and fewer new developments for young homebuyers within and around HUSD schools.

Additionally, HUSD gathers feedback from families who leave the district using exit surveys. Data from the 2024-25 school year shows that while 731 students withdrew from HUSD to attend charter, private, or homeschool, 840 students enrolled in HUSD from a charter, private or homeschool. In total, the district gained more than 100 students from charter, private and homeschools.

In Arizona, the funding mechanisms for charter schools and public school districts differ significantly. Public school districts have the authority to leverage bond and override funding, which must be approved by voters. In short, voters get to decide how their tax dollars are spent in public schools. These funds, generated through local property taxes, can be used for various purposes such as building improvements, technology, and teacher salaries.

Arizona charter schools are primarily funded by the state and federal contributions. They receive additional state assistance because they do not have the ability to raise funds through voter-approved bonds and overrides. Local voters do not decide how their tax dollars are spent for public charters. 

HUSD voters have not approved a bond or override measure since 2019. This results in a noticeable difference in resources. 

You can find more information about the differences in funding mechanisms by visiting the Arizona Department of Education website.