Arizona voters will be able to hear arguments both for and against a ballot measure that could significantly change how school districts allocate their classroom budgets.
The measure, known as Proposition 320, was put on the ballot by Republican lawmakers and would require many school districts to devote 60% of their operating budgets on direct instructional expenses or risk losing state dollars. Two speakers will debate the issue at 6 p.m. Sept. 24. It will be livestreamed on www.azcentral.com.
If approved by voters, the measure would apply to school districts in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties and to districts with 7,500 students or more. If a district doesn't meet the 60% threshold, it would be required to increase their share of instructional
spending by 0.5% each year until in compliance.
If a district violates the policy, the district would see decreased funding from the state's Classroom Site Fund. The fund is responsible for an average of roughly $12,000 of an Arizona teacher’s salary, according to the Auditor General. The penalties would start at 25% and escalate over time. A district that is out of compliance for four years or more could lose access to the fund entirely until the issue is corrected.
The measure leaves the definition of direct instructional spending to the Auditor General's discretion. The designation currently includes certified teachers, teacher assistants, substitutes and instructional materials, but not necessarily special education support, math and literacy coaches or professional development for teachers.
Speaking in support of the measure will be Chris Thomas, director of legal strategy for education policy at the Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank. Prior to working at the Goldwater Institute, Thomas worked the associate executive director for the Arizona School Boards Association.
Jimmy Arwood with Arizonans for Quality Education, a nonprofit advocacy group, will speak in opposition.
Reporter Erick Trevino contributed to this article.
Helen Rummel covers state politics and higher education for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at hrummel@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @helenrummel.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to watch in Arizona’s Proposition 320 debate
