What is an Override?
An override is a voter-approved measure that allows a school district to receive additional funding beyond what the state provides. Override authorizations last for seven(7) years. The first five(5) years are fully funded, and the funds reduce in the final two(2) years.
The Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) Maintenance and Operations Override has been in place since 2015 and voters reauthorized it in 2019. This funding is crucial to fund initiatives related to academic support, salaries, instructional strategy training, smaller class sizes, and various academic programs.
In the upcoming November 2024 election, voters in QCUSD will decide whether to renew this override. If renewed, it will continue to fund these important areas with no additional tax impact on residents. Remember, this override has been in place since 2015. This is not a new tax, it is a continuation of a current tax.
The Override Renewal will allow QCUSD to maintain and expand essential programs and services, including:
- Teaching assistants for all kindergarten through third-grade classrooms
- Targeted math and reading interventions personalized for each student
- Initiatives like the Summer Bridge Program and Secondary Math Labs
- Year-round school security
- Competitive salaries to attract and retain exceptional teachers and staff
- Maintain already reduced class sizes
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Classes and Fine Arts programs
- JROTC and Naval programs
What's the Difference Between a Bond and an Override?
Overrides are used to support the district's day-to-day operational expenses, such as teacher salaries, academic programs, and class size reduction. Bonds, on the other hand, are used for long-term capital projects like building new schools, renovating existing facilities, or purchasing large equipment. Bonds are typically repaid over a longer period, and the funds cannot be used for operational costs. QCUSD does not have a bond initiative on the ballot this year.
QCUSD is expanding on many campuses, how has that been paid for?
All construction in Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) is currently funded by the School Facilities Division. This funding is provided by the state and is designated specifically for our construction purposes due to the growth of the district. The money allocated through this division can only be used to provide new student learning space such as academic wings or new schools. This ensures that the district can continue to grow and improve its infrastructure without impacting the funds needed for daily operations which are supported separately through mechanisms like overrides.
To learn more about the upcoming Override Renewal, visit our election page.
Stay informed, ask questions, and make sure your voice is heard. Remember to register to vote by October 7 and participate in the November 2024 election.