News Summary
Arizona’s Proposition 123, which provides $300 million annually for K-12 public schools, is at risk of expiration at the end of June. Internal divisions among Republican lawmakers complicate efforts to extend the funding. Critics express concern about the proposed limits on raises for teachers, arguing it overlooks essential support staff and could worsen teacher shortages. As the legislature deliberates, the fate of the proposition remains uncertain, impacting future funding for public education in Arizona.
Phoenix, Arizona – Arizona’s Proposition 123, which allocates $300 million annually for K-12 public schools, is facing an uncertain future as it nears its expiration date at the end of June. Education advocates are increasingly concerned about what this means for funding vital educational resources across the state.
The simplest course of action for lawmakers would be to extend Proposition 123 in the upcoming election, but internal divisions among Republican legislators have complicated this process. Some Republicans disagree on the amount of funding designated for schools and whether the extension should include conservative priorities in the Arizona Constitution.
Proposition 123’s funding comes from the state’s land trust, originally established to support public entities like schools. In a significant move in 2016, the distribution rate from the land trust was increased from 2.5% to 6.9% in order to settle a lawsuit regarding the state’s commitment to public school funding. Without the continuation of Proposition 123, the distribution rate would drop back down to 2.5%, potentially resulting in a loss of over $200 million for Arizona public schools.
In the interim, the state’s general fund will temporarily bridge the funding gap while the legislature deliberates the extension. However, past proposals surrounding school funding, such as a failed initiative to provide certain teachers with a $4,000 pay raise, illustrate the contentious politics involved. Furthermore, a previous attempt to gather broader Republican support by including protective measures for charter schools and homeschooling in the funding proposal also met with failure.
The new proposal aiming to extend Proposition 123 arrives amid urgent state budget discussions that must conclude by June 30 to avoid a government shutdown. This proposal maintains the 6.9% distribution rate but also imposes limits on funding, which would be only for full-time teachers who successfully meet annual performance evaluations. This condition has drawn criticism from many in the education sector.
Critics of the proposal argue that it excludes critical non-certified staff members, like bus drivers, nurses, and crossing guards, who play essential roles in maintaining a safe and effective learning environment. The president of the Arizona Education Association has pointed out the significant contribution of support staff towards facilitating a suitable atmosphere for children. Additionally, the proposal neglects paraprofessionals who offer crucial support to students, particularly for those with disabilities.
Opponents argue that by limiting pay raises solely to certified teachers, the proposed plan fails to address the realities faced in classrooms and could further undermine efforts to retain educators amid existing teacher shortages in Arizona. There is also apprehension among some Republican lawmakers regarding deregulation of charter and private schools should any amendments be introduced to the funding extension.
A supermajority vote will be necessary in both legislative chambers if there is a need to adjust the distribution rate. While Republicans currently hold the majority, there are worries that internal factions could jeopardize the proposal’s viability, particularly as Democrats remain in opposition. The recent proposal successfully passed out of the committee along party lines, but its pathway forward remains unclear with Proposition 123’s expiration looming only weeks away.
As the legislature prepares for its next steps, appropriation plans are currently on hold, resulting in uncertainty over whether an earlier proposal will be replaced or debated alongside the new plan. With these pressing considerations, the fate of Proposition 123 could significantly shape the future of funding for Arizona’s public schools.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Arizona GOP Proposes Controversial Link Between Teacher Pay and Vouchers
Additional Resources
- KTAR: Budget Shortfall for School Funds
- AZ Mirror: Republicans Split on Proposition 123
- 12 News: Education Vouchers and Funding Shortfall
- AZ Central: Opinion on Public School Spending
- AZ Family: Audit of Arizona Districts’ Budgets
- Wikipedia: Education in Arizona
- Google Search: Arizona School Funding
- Google Scholar: Arizona Public School Funding Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Arizona Education Budget
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
