Business & Finance

Our Business & Finance Department at Humboldt Unified School District (HUSD) is the backbone that ensures our schools run smoothly and efficiently. From developing and managing proposed budgets to handling purchasing processes, this team is committed to allocating resources that best serve our students and staff. The department also oversees the district's 403(b) plan, offering employees a valuable retirement savings option. By maintaining financial transparency and supporting long-term planning, the Business & Finance Department helps HUSD achieve its goals while securing a bright future for both students and staff.

HUSD operates with two primary funding categories: Maintenance and Operations (M&O) and Capital, each with specific purposes and restrictions dictated by the Arizona Department of Education and the State of Arizona.

Maintenance and Operations (M&O)

The M&O fund is designated for the day-to-day operational costs of running the district. These funds can only be used for:

• Salaries for staff
• Supplies necessary for operations
• Purchased services such as contracted work
• Travel expenses related to district operations
• Utilities to keep the lights on and buildings functional

M&O is the backbone of funding for maintaining smooth and efficient district operations.

Capital

The Capital fund is divided into three subcategories, each with its own set of guidelines:

Unrestricted Capital

This funding is versatile and can be spent on:

• Land and building improvements
• Furniture and equipment
• Transportation vehicles for students and staff
• Textbooks, instructional materials, and library books

Importantly, Unrestricted Capital funds can legally be transferred to the M&O fund. In fact, Humboldt Unified School District has allocated the majority of this fund toward M&O needs to sustain operations.

Soft Capital

Soft Capital is more specific and restricted. These funds can only be used for short-term capital items that meet academic adequacy standards, such as:

• Technology (hardware and software)
• Textbooks and instructional materials
• Library resources
• Furniture and equipment
• Transportation vehicles for students

Unlike Unrestricted Capital, Soft Capital cannot be transferred to the M&O fund. This funding is based on student enrollment, directly tying it to district growth and student needs.

Building Renewal (Students First)

Building Renewal funds are allocated for:

• Major building renovations and repairs that extend the useful life of facilities
• Infrastructure costs for essential utilities
• Consulting services for planning and executing renewal projects

This fund is not based on student enrollment. Instead, its revenue comes from the state and is determined by the age, condition, and other factors related to district buildings.

 

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All funding allocations and spending guidelines are mandated by the Arizona Department of Education and the State of Arizona, ensuring compliance and accountability for every dollar spent. Understanding these categories is key to grasping how Humboldt Unified School District, like all Arizona districts, manages its financial resources to support students, staff, and the broader educational mission.