Flowing Wells Unified School District

In fiscal year 2010, Flowing Wells Unified School District’s student achievement was significantly higher than peer districts’ averages. Although research suggests that students’ achievement outcomes are influenced by poverty level, Flowing Wells USD achieved passing rates on Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) that were similar to averages for the State and for districts with much lower poverty rates. The District’s operational efficiency was mixed. The District’s administration operated efficiently and with lower staffing levels than peer districts’, and its food service and student transportation programs operated reasonably well considering its large number of meals served and low number of miles driven. However, the District’s plant operations costs were significantly higher than peer districts averaged because it employed more plant staff, paid higher salaries due to employee longevity, and used more electricity. Although the District operated in a reasonably efficient manner in most areas, it reduced classroom spending significantly in fiscal year 2010, shifting monies to nonclassroom areas—a trend dating back to fiscal year 2005.