HUSD News Stories

Students across Higley Unified School District (HUSD) are seeing the impact of the democratic process, after School Participatory Budgeting projects from last year’s program were completed over summer break. 

School Participatory Budgeting is an innovative civic learning initiative that empowers students to make meaningful improvements to their campuses. Led by student leaders at every HUSD campus, the program gives students the opportunity to experience every step of the decision-making process. 

The process begins with idea collection, where student leaders gather input from their school's student body about improvements they would like to see on campus. Students then develop proposals while working within a set budget to create projects that are both impactful and financially feasible. After narrowing the ideas to three final proposals, students organize a schoolwide election where every student has the opportunity to vote. The winning project is then funded and implemented on campus.  

School Participatory Budgeting is about much more than improving school campuses. It teaches students the importance of civic engagement, financial stewardship, and responsible decision-making.  

For many students, this is their first experience participating in a democratic process. By introducing voting at an early age, HUSD is helping students understand the importance of civic participation while preparing them to become informed and engaged members of their communities.  

The 2025-2026 school year winning projects reflect the unique needs and priorities of each campus: 

• Bridges Elementary: New filtered drinking fountain installation 

• Centennial Elementary: 3D printer and noise-canceling headphone purchase 

• Chaparral Elementary: New tetherball installation 

• Coronado Elementary: Recess equipment upgrades 

• Cortina Elementary: New volleyball net installation 

• Gateway Pointe Elementary: Custom window wrap installation 

• Higley Traditional Academy: Custom window wrap installation 

• Power Ranch Elementary: Recess equipment upgrades 

• San Tan Elementary: Recess equipment upgrades 

• Cooley Middle School: Lunch area makeover 

• Sossaman Middle School: Outdoor court upgrades 

• Higley High School: Outdoor shade improvements 

• Williams Field High School: Student Union and Media Center upgrades 

Through School Participatory Budgeting, HUSD isn’t just improving schools; its helping students discover the power of their voices and preparing them to become active participants in their communities for years to come.