Metro Phoenix voters faced critical decisions on school funding during Tuesday’s elections, with requests from various school districts to utilize local property taxes for budget increases and new construction projects. As of early Wednesday, the preliminary results present a varied picture.
School districts have the option to propose budget overrides to the voters, facilitating the funding of essentials like sports, arts programs, and teacher salaries. Additionally, districts can seek approval for bonds dedicated to significant capital projects, including school construction.
Early unofficial results indicate that over half of the bond and override proposals across Maricopa County are currently leading. However, certain districts in the East and West Valley, known for their historical resistance to such measures, are seeing potential failures. This includes the Buckeye Elementary School District where two measures lag, and the Dysart Unified School District, where an override is succeeding but a bond is on the brink of failure.
For detailed and current election outcomes, visit the Maricopa County Elections website.
Kyrene School District
The Kyrene School District’s budget override request is currently leading, with voters showing strong support. This override aims to continue generating $14.6 million annually, contributing to enhanced teacher salaries, smaller class sizes, and elective courses such as art and music. It also supports various student services, including physical and occupational therapy.
Unofficial early results indicate 59% voter approval for the override measure. The cost to property owners within the district is approximately 52 cents per $100 of assessed property value, equating to $52 annually for a home valued at $100,000.
To check property assessments, residents can visit the Maricopa County Assessor’s website. Although Kyrene voters have consistently approved budget overrides since 1983, the district faces challenges from declining enrollment, prompting considerations for school closures and anticipating a $7 million funding gap.
Tolleson Unified High School District
In the West Valley, Tolleson Unified High School District’s financial proposals are struggling. The district sought to renew a budget override and secure a $125 million bond for various projects, including security upgrades and new infrastructure.
The override, which provides over $16 million annually for extracurricular activities and teacher recruitment, is facing opposition with 58% of voters rejecting it. Similarly, the bond measure trails with only 40% support.
The district’s financial practices have drawn criticism, especially after it intervened in the financial crisis of the neighboring Isaac School District. This intervention included purchasing and leasing back Isaac’s buildings, which some lawmakers have labeled as a “predatory financial scheme,” a claim denied by Superintendent Jeremy Calles.
The district’s financial decisions, including plans to construct an $80 million football stadium, have prompted lawmakers to authorize an audit. The override would cost property owners approximately 77 cents per $100 of assessed value, equating to $113 annually for a $145,930 home, while the bond would cost 38 cents per $100, or $55 annually for the same home value.
West-MEC
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file | staff
The Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) proposed a $415 million bond and the sale of district land to expand its programs and infrastructure, with both measures likely to pass. The bond aims to fund new campuses, upgrade existing facilities, and enhance student programs.
Additionally, voters are being asked to allow the district to sell or lease properties to fund these improvements. Early voting results show a favorable lead for the land measure.
Earlier this year, West-MEC faced criticism from state auditors for retaining excessive funds rather than distributing them to partner high schools. The bond would cost property owners approximately 12 cents per $100 of assessed value, or about $12 annually for a $100,000 home.
