TUSD Prepares Voter Appeal for Budget Override as Amphi Slashes Teacher Positions

This week, significant developments emerged from local government meetings in Tucson. The Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) Governing Board is preparing to vote on a proposed override for an additional $45 million in funding during its upcoming meeting on Tuesday.

The 15 percent override aims to provide essential resources, but it comes at a cost: property taxes could increase by over $300 annually for homes valued at $300,000. This translates to about $25 more per month for taxpayers. Notably, TUSD is the only district in the area currently without an override in effect.

The override, if approved, would last for seven years. The first five years would feature the full 15 percent increase, followed by a gradual decrease to 10 percent in the sixth year and 5 percent in the final year. A significant portion of the funds—$7.3 million—would be allocated for teacher raises, along with step increases adding an additional $800 to staff compensation. Furthermore, art and reading programs would receive a boost of $11.2 million.

The funding plan also includes hiring additional counselors, social workers, and physical education teachers. While state law restricts annual spending for districts, it allows voters to override these limits, which has become crucial for TUSD amidst increased financial scrutiny.

Despite recent successes, including improved test scores and the passage of a bond, the board faces uncertainty due to the broader economic climate. Potential changes at the federal level, such as cuts to the Department of Education, could impact funding and sympathy for public schools.

In Sahuarita, the town’s council will vote on a tentative budget that sets spending ceilings and tax rates. The town boasts a remarkable surplus, budgeted at 98 percent of operational funding. This implies that, under extreme circumstances, Sahuarita could sustain itself until mid-2026 without new revenue.

Projected total revenues for Sahuarita stand at $54.9 million for the next fiscal year, despite planned expenditures of $68.8 million. The major funding source remains a $54.6 million fund balance, indicating a solid financial buffer. Future spending includes significant investments in infrastructure, such as $5.8 million for new police department offices and $1.6 million for trail enhancements.