The Governing Board of the A-Rated Higley Unified School District (HUSD) has placed two issues on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot: A continuation of the existing 15% Maintenance and Override funding as well as a bond proposal for school safety projects, essential maintenance, school improvements, and transportation investments.
About the Budget Override Continuation
The override will be used to support teacher salaries and essential programs including:
- Support special education
- Maintain class sizes
- Provide elementary special programs including physical education, music and arts
- Support gifted programs and all-day kindergarten
- Provide additional educational resources (including reading and mathematics) to classrooms
About the Bond
The bond will fund critical construction projects including:
- Safety, Security, and Technology improvements
- Essential Maintenance Projects (including HVAC, Roofing, and other repairs)
- School Improvement Projects (including classroom expansion, renovation, and secure front office)
- Transportation and buses
Not a Tax Rate Increase
The budget continuation is an extension of the current funding for special education, teacher compensation, and essential programs that was most recently passed in 2019. The bond is structured so that new debt would only be issued as existing debt is paid off. As such, tax rates are projected to remain flat - meaning these proposals WILL NOT increase the tax rate.
Facts About the Budget Continuation
Maintenance and Operations Overrides are used to provide additional funding to support people and programs. School districts may ask for an increase of up to 15 percent of their revenue control limit for a term of seven years. Without renewal, the district would have to phase out this funding over three years (starting next year) and would need to cut an estimated $13 million from its budget.
Override Cost: The 15% budget override is a continuation of an existing funding, so it is not a tax rate increase. The cost per household is approximately $11.65 per month for a home with an assessed value of $100K and reflects an estimated tax rate of $1.40 per $100 of net assessed valuation for secondary tax purposes [tax rate is required by statute].
Facts About the Bond
Bonds are similar to loans that are authorized by voters and used to purchase capital items and/or make capital improvements to existing facilities, such as building or renovating a school or purchasing school buses. Funds from a bond cannot be used for employee compensation.
Bond Cost: The bond continues the current tax rate of the bonds that were approved in 2013 and will be issued as existing debt is paid off. The cost per household is approximately $2.74 per month for a home with an assessed value of $100K and reflects an estimated tax rate of $0.33 per $100 of net assessed valuation for secondary tax purposes [tax rate is required by statute].
Capital Funding Shortfall Over the Last Decade
Important Dates:
- The last day to register to vote: October 7, 2024
- Early Voting starts: October 9, 2024
- Election Day: November 5, 2024
For more information or to register to vote, visit www.Maricopa.vote.