We believe our community deserves to know what’s at stake and why an agreement with EVIT hasn’t been reached.
Q: Can someone at the district please explain the information that EVIT’s governing board put out at last night’s (8/12/25) meeting about QCUSD hiding $2.5 million dollars?
A: QCUSD currently maintains a balance in the CTE fund, which is a publicly reported budget line item. By law, these funds can only be used to support CTE programs across our campuses. They are allocated for CTE teacher salaries, equipment purchases, and industry certifications. In addition, CTE funds may be used to renovate or expand programs at our three high schools. QCUSD’s financial planning ensures these resources also sustain and modernize aging programs, such as culinary arts and agriculture.
Q: Does EVIT also carry a fund balance? If so, do we know how much?
A. Yes, this is public information on their budget form as well. From the latest FY26 adopted budget, EVIT has a fund balance of approximately 27 million dollars
Q: What stance are the other eight districts taking?
A: The eight member districts are united in their commitment to maintaining funding for the high-quality satellite programs that serve more than 23,000 students in the east valley. These programs are offered at students’ local high schools, ensuring access and convenience.
Q: Has QCUSD made any attempts to meet with EVIT to come to a resolution?
A: Member districts proactively submitted a revised IGA renewal in February, while EVIT presented its proposal in May. Since then, member districts have actively requested a joint meeting with the EVIT superintendent, consistent with the historic and best practice in the IGA process. In addition, staff have emailed to request clarification, provided information that challenges EVIT’s interpretation of the Auditor General’s report, and attended EVIT board meetings in an effort to reach a resolution.
Q: How will the proposed cuts affect access to CTE satellite programs for students who cannot travel to EVIT?
A: QCUSD is committed to maintaining the high-quality programs offered at our high schools. However, the proposed cuts could limit member districts’ ability to purchase equipment, renovate facilities, or expand programming.
Q: How does this proposal support equitable access and school choice when many students cannot travel to an EVIT campus due to distance or scheduling conflicts?
A: The current proposal does not support equitable access and school choice. QCUSD shares these concerns and hopes to reach an agreement with EVIT that preserves funding to support school choice, maintain access to satellite programs, and serve students attending EVIT campuses.
Q: How much money will EVIT gain by making these changes?
A: Based on current projections, EVIT would receive an additional $1.4 million in the first year and up to $4.1 million in subsequent years under their current proposal generated by students who attend satellite programs on local high school campuses.
Q: How much funding will QCUSD lose annually if this proposal passes?
A: In the current EVIT proposal, QCUSD will lose 1.2 million dollars over five years while facing increased costs with inflation. All proposals from EVIT include a regressive funding model, reducing the funding percentage each year over 3 years. In the current proposal, in years 3-5 member districts will receive a 12% cut in guaranteed funding.
Q: How does cutting funding from high school campus CTE programs align with Arizona’s goal of building a strong, skilled workforce?
A: The current proposal does not align with this goal. QCUSD is committed to preserving funding that supports CTE programs at our high schools and to strengthening the local workforce. The goal is to work collaboratively with EVIT while maintaining the importance of funding satellite programs. Both our satellite programs and those offered through EVIT play a vital role in sustaining and developing a skilled workforce for our community
Q: Are the CTE satellite programs meeting Arizona state standards?
A: Yes, our programs meet the AZ state standards and are considered high quality. QCUSD programs are aligned to industry standards and staff are certified. Many of our programs have received awards and our students have the ability to enter the workforce after program completion with appropriate certifications.
Thank you for continuing to support students, staff and families of QCUSD.