By Diana Whittle
Although Proposition 123 passed with the slimmest margin possible—little more than one percent of the vote—officials in the three Tempe school districts say they’re grateful for the win.
Through its adoption, educators agreed they felt a sense of reassurance that many Arizona residents understood the need for more funding in what has been called the state’s sorely underfunded educational system.
Most also see this bill as a quick fix—a temporary solution that will provide a welcome infusion of cash.
Unfortunately, they add, approval of Proposition 123 still won’t move Arizona up the tier on per-student funding in comparison to other states.
Dr. Kenneth Baca, superintendent for the Tempe Union High School District, says that, above all, he wants to thank the voters for considering —and favoring—the measure.
“The passage means schools will receive more money without an increase in taxes,” said Baca, “even though it is not enough to completely change Arizona’s educational climate.”
“It’s not a perfect bill and it certainly is not a complete fix to the larger problem with funding education in the state, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.”
The amount that will be available was also on Baca’s mind.
“This is not a large fix,” he said, noting that there won’t be more money for schools, permanently, unless Arizona’s taxation situation changes.
“Prior to Prop. 123, the state funded schools by taking an annual 2.5 percent withdrawal from the permanent trust fund, which usually grew by more than 2.5 percent every year,” Baca said.
“Prop. 123 increases the annual withdrawal to 6.9 percent. Opponents of the proposition are concerned that greater withdrawals from land trust coffers could go beyond the fund’s growth and cut into the capital,” Baca explained.
As it stands, Prop. 123’s shot in the arm for local education will expire after 10 years, at which time funding will go back to its pre-2012 levels. Still, during this decade-long time frame, supporters of the proposition estimate that an additional $3.5 billion will flow into schools.
The proposition serves not only as a new method of funding for schools, but as a settlement to a statewide education lawsuit that came about after a lapse in funding for schools across the state. It settles just more than 70 percent of the money requested in that lawsuit.
All three local school districts, which serve families in Tempe and Chandler, will use the majority of the additional funds for salary increases, say officials.
The YesProp123.com website estimates that Tempe Elementary schools would gain more than $2.4 million a year; Tempe Union high schools would benefit from about $3 million.
Tempe Elementary’s share will be used entirely on compensation, said Liz Yeskey, Tempe Elementary assistant superintendent of business and support services.
“Teachers will receive raises ranging from six to 10 percent. Other employee groups, including nurses, counselors, specialists and psychologists, will receive raises ranging from two to 10 percent; and administrators and classified employees will receive a two percent raise,” said Yeskey. “Plus, in addition to the salary increases, all employees will receive a two-percent stipend.”
Tempe Elementary, along with TUHSD and Kyrene, prepared two budget scenarios—one if the legislation passed, another if it failed.
All the districts indicate they feel fortunate that they will receive the money for employee compensation, although they have not been told specifically when some of those funds will be available. Barring unforeseen delays, funds for the new fiscal year are expected to become available in July.
Said Tempe Elementary’s Yeskey:
“Passage of Prop. 123 is very significant to the district’s upcoming budget cycle. It allows us to increase salaries to stay competitive with other districts.”
The other local districts shared the same sentiment that, while Prop. 123 isn’t perfect, it provides the funding to generate increased pay for teachers and district staff.
For that reason alone, they agree, it has turned out to be a winning piece of legislation.
Dr. Mark Knight, who has served as interim superintendent of the Kyrene district until Dr. Jan Vesely officially assumes the top job July 1, told Wrangler News prior to the vote:
“We appreciate the continued support of Arizona voters for increased funding for K-12 public schools. “This ballot measure represents a settlement of the education lawsuit on inflation funding for K-12 public schools and means that Kyrene will receive approximately $3.4 million for fiscal year 2015-16 in June and $3.4 million for fiscal 2016-17.
The Kyrene district has proposed to the Governing Board using the additional funds on:
• Employee compensation;
• Purchase of instructional resources for English language arts; and
• Restoration of middle school exploratory classes, which were reduced in previous years due to budget cuts.
