Override

The continuation of the override is not a new tax – it is a continuation of the local funding that was originally voter-approved in 2016 and approved by voter-approved to continue for another 7 years in 2021. For the 2026/2027 school year, Maricopa Unified School District’s operating budget includes a 10% maintenance and operations override of $7.8 million. Without the continuation, the District would reduce the override funding over the next three years from its annual operating budget. This is our last school year that we are fully funded. Starting in the 2027/2028 school year the override would reduce by 1/3 or approximately $2.7 million per year until it is completely eliminated at the end of the 2028/2029 school year.

The continuation of the override maintains local control of tax dollars by investing in our local schools. In MUSD, the override is used to keep class sizes small, maintain the RAM Academy – credit recovery and intervention for at-risk students, and invest in technology.

MUSD operates within all approved budget limits each fiscal year. The District has funded school repair and renewal without raising taxes and has won over 20 awards for fiscal responsibility including the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting. 

According to the Arizona Auditor General, MUSD has one of the lowest administration costs among neighboring districts. Like most districts in the state, Maricopa Unified School District has a maintenance and operations override in place. The following neighboring districts currently have voter-approved maintenance and operation overrides: 

Kyrene Elementary - 15%* Chandler Unified - 15% Tempe Elementary - 15%*  Tempe Union - 15%* 
Casa Grande Elementary - 10% Casa Grande Union High School  - 10% Eloy Elementary - 15% Stanfield - 10%
*The following Districts have an additional 10% Capital Override, totaling 25% in override funds - Kyrene Elementary, Tempe Elementary, Tempe Union
 

The MUSD M&O Override is critical to keeping class sizes small. Small class sizes impact student success and attract and retain quality teachers. Since 2016, class sizes have been reduced significantly, particularly in the elementary grades, helping teachers provide more individualized instruction. 

If the override is not approved, the current 10% M&O override would continue fully funded through the 2026/2027 school year. Starting in the 2027/2028 school year the override would reduce by 1/3 or approximately $2.7 million per year until it is completely eliminated at the end of the 2028/2029 school year. Ultimately the loss of override funding would result in: 

• A reduction of teachers and staff hired to maintain current class size targets
• The elimination of RAM Academy, the alternative high school graduation program
• A reduced capacity to invest in student and instructional technology

For specific voting information visit the Pinal County Elections Department website at https://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/elections.