Have you heard about the school district override election? Read on to learn more...
What is an override?
An override is voter authorization for a school district to exceed its state-approved funding limit. This process empowers communities to influence funding decisions that affect educational services and resource allocation. Local property taxpayers play a pivotal role in funding overrides. Their contributions directly support essential educational needs, including staff salaries and operational costs. The Joseph City School District is currently in the 5th year of its most recent voter-approved override. The district's Governing Board has called a special budget override election to be held on November 5, 2024 to request voter authorization to continue the district's existing override. Overrides are approved for a term of 7 years. If not renewed, the amount decreases by one-third in the 6th year and two-thirds in the 7th and final year. We are currently in year 5 of our existing override. The district is asking voters to approve a renewal this year to maintain a consistent level of funding.
Why an override?
Approving the renewal of the override will prevent a decline in funding of approximately $700,000 annually. The override pays for:
Smaller class sizes
Full-day Kindergarten and Preschool
Student programs such as physical education, performing arts, music, vocational programs, extracurricular activities, etc.
Competitive wages to attract and retain staff
Resources to maintain school facilities in good condition.
Failure of the override would result in a loss of revenue and the reduction or elimination of some programs and staff, including:
Reducing the number of teachers and other staff and possible freezes in pay
Larger classes at the elementary school
Larger classes and fewer subject offerings at the junior/senior high school
Cut backs in non-academic programs such as physical education, arts, vocational programs, sports and extracurricular activities
Cut backs in support operations such as facility maintenance, bus routes, etc.
How much does the override cost me?
If approved this override will be a continuation of what you are already paying, not a new tax. Here's how much you pay now.
Homeowner with average assessed value: $71.79 per year
Business property with average assessed value: $358.18 per year
We know that with the closure of portions of Cholla power plant, our District’s property valuation will go down causing our tax rates to go up. What we don’t know is how much the valuation will change in coming years. But if the override renewal is approved, the Governing Board still has the right to reduce the amount of override tax if it becomes too burdensome.
One more thing...
Regardless of how you vote, please know the education and care of our students is our mission and our passion. We will always do our best to wisely use the resources you provide. We are committed to truth and transparency. Click here to view our Voter Information Pamphlet. You can contact us at DistrictOffice@jcusd.org or 928-288-3307.
See board notices and official postings regarding the override here