Budget Override Election Information
Alhambra School District appreciates your interest in the district and upcoming elections. To help keep community members informed, information pertaining to school elections is posted on this page.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers on Alhambra School District's budget override election.
What is a budget override?
Arizona State Law allows school districts to increase their budgets by a percentage of the Revenue Control Limit (RCL) with voter approval. The RCL is a state formula that determines how much funding school districts are allowed to spend each year.
Why does a school district ask for voter approval to exceed its operating budget?
Exceeding the operating budget allows the district to provide a higher quality education, offer more programs and services to better meet the needs of students, and adequately prepare children to be successful contributing members of our community.
What is the difference between a 5 percent and a 10 percent override?
The 5 percent K-3 budget override allows districts to use this funding for programs that impact kindergarten through third grades. Five percent override dollars are used to:
- Reduce kindergarten class size by hiring an additional 22 teachers (average kindergarten class size is 20)
- Pay for 86 kindergarten instructional assistants and other K-3 support staff
- Pay for the art, music, and physical education programs in kindergarten through third grades
The 10 percent maintenance and operations (M&O) budget override enables districts to use the funding for other maintenance and operations expenses like hiring additional teachers to reduce class size or offer other educational programs. Ten percent override dollars are used to:
- Reduce class size at all grade levels
- Pay for before and after-school tutoring programs
- Pay for the band program
How long are override funds good for?
Alhambra's override elections provide funding to the school district for seven years. The district receives the full amount of the approval for five years; in the sixth year, the amount decreases by one-third; and in the seventh year, the amount decreases by two-thirds. Voters must reauthorize the override by the seventh year or the district no longer receives the override funding.
What is Alhambra District's history of overrides?
Alhambra has successfully passed override elections for 22 years, enabling the district to provide a higher standard of education for students. Thanks to the support of community members, Alhambra students do exceptionally well, and the district is recognized state-wide and nationally for its high student achievement and outstanding curricular programs.
How have the override funds benefited Alhambra students?
The override funds have benefited students in a number of ways. First, the funds help the district reduce class size in all grade levels allowing for smaller classes and more individualized instruction. The override dollars also pay for instructional assistants, especially at the kindergarten level. Classroom assistants are vital and assist teachers with one-on-one tutoring. In addition, the funding pays for the band program, art, music, and physical education in kindergarten through third grades.
What happens if the overrides are not renewed?
If the overrides are not renewed, based on the current fiscal year (FY 07-08) the district will have to cut $10,203,262 from its budget. The reduction will come in phases over three years and will require Alhambra District to reduce its annual budget by one-third each year as the chart indicates below:
Impact to Budget
without Override Dollars
Fiscal Year Budget Reduced By
First Year (2009-10) |
– $3,401,087 |
Second Year (2010–11) |
– $6, 802,175 |
Third Year (2011-12) |
– $10,203,262 |
*The district's budget changes from year to year based on legislative action and enrollment figures.
If the override is not renewed, the district would have to eliminate 22 kindergarten teachers, 86 kindergarten instructional assistants, art, music, and physical education in kindergarten through third grade, as well as the band program. In addition, class size would increase in all grade levels.
How does the override affect my tax rate?
The override election will not affect your tax rate because voters authorized the district to exceed its budget for the last 22 years. The percentages are already reflected in the tax rate.
If the override is approved, will my tax rate increase?
No, the tax rate will not increase because it is already built in to the tax rate; this is a continuation of prior overrides.
How much do the overrides cost the average tax payer?
Based on the FY 07-08, the average homeowner only pays approximately 62.5 cents per day for Alhambra's two override measures. That's less than buying a pack of gum or a cup of coffee.
When is the election?
The election is November 4, 2008.
For more election information, log on to the Maricopa County Recorders Office at http://recorder.maricopa.gov/web/elections.aspx
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