3 takeaways from Page Unified School District board meeting

School Board Approves Revised $17.4M Budget Amid Enrollment Decline

District Nears First-Ever System-Wide Accreditation

Middle School Closure Helps Offset Rising District Costs

School Board Approves Revised $17.4M Budget Amid Enrollment Decline

PAGE - The Page Unified School District Governing Board unanimously approved a revised budget for the 2025-2026 school year on Tuesday, increasing the district's total spending authority to $17,461,533. The revision, required by state law due to the late release of final funding figures, reflects a net increase of $192,300. The budget was balanced despite the expiration of Proposition 123 without a renewal before the end of FY2025, which would otherwise have provided roughly similar statewide funding; lawmakers have been debating renewal terms. During the presentation, officials noted that the district's Revenue Control Limit (RCL) increased by over $313,000. However, the budget is based on a conservative student enrollment estimate of 2,012 students, down from last year's figure of 2,085, reflecting a continuing but leveling decline. Officials hope to "recapture" funds later in the year if enrollment proves higher than projected.

District Nears First-Ever System-Wide Accreditation

PAGE - The Page Unified School District is on the verge of becoming a fully accredited institution for the first time in its history, Superintendent Dr. Anderson announced at Tuesday’s meeting. While the high schools have previously held individual accreditations, this two-year effort aims to certify the entire district under an international protocol focused on sustainable improvement. Following a final review with evaluators, the superintendent expressed high confidence in the process. A final vote by the accreditation board is expected in late October, with an effective accreditation date of August 4, 2025, if approved.

Middle School Closure Helps Offset Rising District Costs

PAGE - Financial documents presented Tuesday revealed that the closure of the Sage & Sand Virtual Academy has allowed the district to absorb rising operational costs. The revised budget showed a decrease in the salary line item, which was attributed to the district's ability to absorb some staff positions following that school’s shutdown. This reduction helped offset a necessary increase in spending on purchased services, particularly for contracted occupational and physical therapists (OT/PT), as the district currently lacks on-staff specialists.

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