Litchfield Elementary School District is prioritizing classroom resources and teacher pay, as a shifting workforce and lean administrative spending shape its financial outlook, according to the latest Arizona Auditor General’s report.
District Chief Financial Officer Michael Vaughan recently detailed how the LESD directs 71.3% of its operational budget to the classroom, a figure that outpaces state and peer averages.
While this efficiency allows for competitive compensation, Vaughan said the district's average teacher salary is influenced by a growing number of new educators.
"Ultimately, this report is showing that in 2025, the district operated efficiently and this allowed us to push as much into the classroom as we did," Vaughan told the governing board.
Teacher pay and the 'muted average'
The district’s average teacher salary for fiscal year 2025 stands at $65,074. While this is slightly below the peer average of $65,225, Vaughan explained that the figure is a "muted average" due to the district's hiring trends.
"If you think about what contributes to the average teacher's salary, it's all of the salaries of all of the teachers we have," Vaughan said. "And what we (are) seeing... is that the percentage of our teacher workforce that's in their first three years of experience is growing."
Because pay is primarily driven by level of education and experience, an influx of early-career teachers is pulling the average down.
Despite this, Litchfield's average remains higher than several neighboring districts, including Glendale Elementary ($64,324), Tempe Elementary ($64,167), and Roosevelt Elementary ($63,038).
Top earners and administrative efficiency
The district maintains its competitive classroom spending by keeping administrative costs "very low" compared to its peers. This lean approach extends to the district's leadership and management team.
The top-paid employees in the district include its core administrative and instructional leadership. According to district records, the highest-compensated roles currently include:
Superintendent: $180,000
Assistant Superintendent: $139,764
Chief Financial Officer: $118,026
Directors and Principals: $114,030 to $85,192
Vaughan said the district remains focused on maintaining opportunities that ensure that veteran educators are also rewarded for their tenure and expertise.
Visit lesd79.org for more information.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
By 
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here