This month’s board meeting spotlighted student achievement, educator investments, and school design shifts across the district. Highlights include:
Academic Growth: APS saw gains in literacy and math, with 4th and 5th grade students outperforming national averages on key assessments.
Teacher Raises: A 4% pay increase was approved for all APS staff, affirming the district’s commitment to retaining top-tier talent.
New School Designs: The Board previewed updated grade band configurations and facility improvements designed to align with enrollment trends and community needs.
Focus on Numeracy: Data deep dives revealed targeted strategies to close the math gap for 4th–8th graders, including more classroom coaching and better-aligned assessments.
What’s Happening
APS is going Back to Basics with a strategic plan called “One District. One Goal. Every Child.” Their 2030 vision includes:
- Universal Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 access
- $100K average teacher salary
- Personalized plans for every student
- Community hubs in every cluster
The 6 major priorities driving this plan are:
- Stronger Teaching & Learning
- Whole Child Focus
- More Ways to Learn
- Support Our Teachers
- Family & Community Partnerships
- Smart Spending
Why it Matters
This plan is designed to raise student outcomes and strengthen schools across the district. APS has set bold 2030 goals, including:
- +20 points in 3rd grade reading
- +20 points in 8th grade math
- +20 points in college/career readiness indicators
- More progress for student subgroups and improved school culture
To make this happen, the district is focusing on things families have been asking for: stronger teaching, more consistent expectations, better communication, and more engaging opportunities for students.
How it Impacts You
Here’s what families can expect:
- New materials and training for teachers to improve classroom learning
- Better math support, especially in grades 3–5
- More access to arts, sports, languages, and AP courses
- Better support for diverse learners, including students with disabilities and English learners
- Fewer suspensions and better school climate
- Community hubs in each cluster to provide wraparound support
The district is also working on:
- Hiring strong school leaders quickly
- Offering more career and college pathways
- Improving attendance and discipline outcomes
- Strengthening relationships with families and community groups
Budget Breakdown
This Year (FY2025):
- Collected 92% of projected revenue (mostly from local taxes)
- Spent 80% of the budget—mostly on instruction
- Increased use of federal Title I funds to support high-poverty schools
Next Year (FY2026):
- Total budget: $1.3 billion
- $45 million more going directly to schools
- Central Office cut by $25 million (135 roles eliminated)
- Less reliance on rainy-day funds = more sustainable finances
Take Action
Know Your School Goals: Ask about your school’s specific goals around reading, math, and school culture.
Share Your Voice: APS leaders are calling for stronger communication and family feedback. If you’re not hearing from your school—speak up!
Support Learning at Home: With more arts, AP classes, and career pathways coming, ask how your child can get involved.
Stay Informed: Look out for future updates on school calendar changes, facilities planning (APS Forward 2040), and opportunities to engage in APS’s strategic vision.