Four Pima County school districts are seeking additional funding through voter-approved bonds or overrides in this year's election.

Today, we're breaking down the override questions on the ballots of voters in the Marana Unified and Continental Elementary school districts. Stay tuned for our reporting on Amphitheater Unified School District's bond and override .

Proposition 411: Marana district override

Residents in the Marana Unified School District will be voting on Proposition 411, a 5% increase to the district's existing 10% Maintenance and Operation Budget.

Arizona law allows school districts to increase their maintenance and operations budgets each year up to 15% of the limit imposed by the state legislature. Voter-approved overrides are effective for seven years, with a phasedown period in the final two years.

Revenue and cost

The 5% budget increase would add an additional $5 million each year to the district’s $122.2 million budget, starting in the 2025-26 fiscal year. There would be no increase to current property taxes, with the cost remaining at $273 per year for a home with a limited property value of $229,030.

What will it fund?

If approved by voters, the override would fund raises for teachers, support staff wages, small class sizes, full-day kindergarten, fine arts programs, extracurricular activities, elective and advanced placement courses and more.

The district’s website says that it will help sustain quality education and aligns with the community’s growth.

What happens if it’s not approved?

If Prop 411 is not approved by voters then the already existing 10% override will phase out by reducing one-third in 2026-2027, with an additional third in the fiscal year of 2027-2028. 

What are supporters saying?

Ten letters of support were submitted for the proposition, with no letter-writers opposing the measure.

“Investing in our schools is an investment in Marana’s future. Strong schools contribute to a thriving local economy by attracting new families and businesses, increasing property values, and creating a skilled workforce,” wrote John Post, a Marana businessman. “As a business owner, I see firsthand how quality education drives economic growth and community development. By voting Yes on Proposition 411, we are committing to our children, our schools, and the long-term prosperity of the Marana community.”

Norman K. “Brad” Bradley III, was one of several parents who wrote to support the initiative.

“Higher salaries positively affect our community’s ability to attract and retain talented educators, enhance the quality of education, and provide long-term economic development benefits for the region,” wrote Bradley. 

The Marana Unified School District Governing board wrote in their letter that the district has a proven track record of fiscal responsibility with a “steadfast focus” on teaching and learning.

“By supporting Proposition 411, we can ensure that our district remains competitive in the region, drawing the best educators and staff to serve our students,” the board wrote in their letter.”This override is not just an investment in our schools; it is an investment in the future of the Marana community.”

Proposition 410: Continental elementary override

The Continental Elementary School District is seeking an override of its own and asking voters to approve Proposition 410 for a 1% increase to the existing 14% Maintenance and Operation Budget override.  Continental Elementary School is a public school in Green Valley that serves grades pre-K through 8. 

Revenue and cost

Prop 410 would generate an additional $44,000 each year to the district’s $5.7 million budget, starting in the 2025-26 fiscal year. The estimated cost to an owner of a home with a limited property value of $210,530 would be an increase of $2, for a total of approximately $27 per year.

What will it fund?

The additional funding will help minimize class size increases, offset state and federal funding reductions and maintain schoolwide programs.

What happens if it’s not approved?

If Prop 410 is not approved by voters, the existing 14% will phase out by reducing by one-third in the fiscal year 2026/27, and an additional one-third in 2027/28. 

What are supporters saying? 

Ten letters were submitted in support of Prop 410 and no letters of opposition.

Michelle Phillps and Jaime Vasquez from the Community Foundation Greater Green Valley wrote a letter in support, saying that the increase represents a modest but necessary adjustment to ensure that schools can continue providing quality education.

“With the surge of population growth in our surrounding area, many families are enduring economic hardships due to dwindling resources combined with annual inflation. Many of our nonprofit’s scramble to address these overwhelming circumstances, as do our local schools,” the letter said. “Arizona funding for education has remained a consistent struggle for the district in offering quality education given the current demand. “

Having a multi-year funding mechanism in place allows the district to keep school operations fluid while offsetting inflation, the letter said.

“As a citizen, I believe that the most important issue I can support is the education of our children, “community member Carew Papritz wrote.”I believe as a society we are morally obligated to provide the framework for which children can develop, learn and thrive.”  

Voting

The deadline to request a ballot by mail is October 25 and the last day to mail in your ballot is October 29. Election day is Tuesday, November 5.

Abbie Andrus is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at asandrus@arizona.edu.