2018 Maintenance & Operations Override

What is the purpose of the override?

Arizona state law allows school districts to increase their M&O budgets up to 15% more, per year, than the per-pupil funding level set by the legislature. M&O funds are used almost exclusively for teachers and staff salaries

It allows the Sahuarita Unified School District to maintain its Revenue Control Limit (RCL) override at a 14% level. This continues the existing 14% Maintenance and Operations Override previously approved by voters in 2014.

What will the override do for students?

  • Ensure current academic programming remains in place.
  • Provide competitive salaries to retain and attract highly qualified teachers and staff.
  • Continue instruction for technology, physical education, fine arts such as music, art and drama, foreign language and other electives.
  • Promote a safe and healthy school environment.

Does this renewal require an additional tax increase? No.

This renews the existing override last renewed in 2014. Overrides in Arizona must be renewed every five years or they begin a two-year phase down with a complete elimination after the seventh year if not renewed.

As a homeowner, is this an increase in what I currently pay? No.

Since the district is requesting a continuation of the existing override, we do not expect a tax rate increase.

What is the amount of the proposed override?

Approximately $4.5 million per year.

How do I know the money will be spent as indicated?

Arizona law is very specific in how school districts can spend the money they receive. The Sahuarita Unified School District has an override currently in place, and continuation of the override will allow Sahuarita to maintain support for needed programs. The expenditures of the override are presented to the Governing Board and audited annually.

Will new programs be added if the override passes?

No. The passage of the override allows programs currently being funded by this revenue source to continue. Without the passage of the override, programs would be changed, reduced, or eliminated.

How much does the override cost me as a homeowner?

The current monthly tax for the existing override is approximately $12 per $100,000 in the assessed value of a home. This is not a new tax. It is a continuation of the existing override approved by voters in November 2014.

Do all schools in Sahuarita Unified School District benefit from these dollars?

Yes. Override funds are distributed across the entire school district budget.

What happens if the M&O Override is Not Approved?

The non-renewal of the override will require the district to cut more than $4.5 million from its operating budget per year. Programs for students will be reduced or eliminated, salaries will not be competitive with surrounding school districts, and class sizes will increase.

When is the Election?

Election day is Tuesday, November 6, 2018. A ballot will be mailed to EVERY registered voter on or around October 10, 2018. Ballots may be returned by mail or dropped off at polling centers prior to, or on election day. Voters may also vote in-person at a polling center. 

Find your polling location at https://voter.azsos.gov/VoterView/PollingPlaceSearch.do

Sahuarita USD Profile
      • 606 square miles
      • Approximately 6,500 students
      • 8 schools:
        • One K-2 elementary school
        • One 3-5 elementary school
        • Two K-5 elementary schools
        • One K-8
        • One middle school
        • Two high schools
        • One alternative school

Downloads

M&O Override Presentation

M&O Override Fact Sheet