Frequently Asked Questions

On November 3, 2009 Scottsdale Unified School District voters will be asked to renew the K-3 Override.

• What is the purpose of the Override?
• When is the election?
• How much money will this raise?
• Why does the school district ask voters to approve Overrides?
• What is the money used for?
• How do I know the money will be spent that way?
• Will this renewal raise my taxes?
• How much will this override cost the average homeowner?

What is the purpose of the Override?

SUSD is asking voters to renew the K-3 Override first passed in 2005.  This Override will benefit students from grades K-3 by lowering class sizes and ensuring that full day kindergarten is offered at every elementary school.  Early intervention to get every child reading by third grade is shown to be critical to their success in further education and becoming productive members of the workforce.

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When is the election?

The election will be held Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009.

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How much money will this raise?

The K-3 Override will provide $3,480,826 in fiscal year 2010-2011.  This funding has been in effect for the last five years and will continue if the Override is renewed.

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Why does the school district ask voters to approve Overrides?

Arizona currently ranks 50th in per-pupil funding compared to other states.  Voter approved overrides allow the district to increase their budget beyond the State funding formula to provide a higher quality of education, offer more programs and services to better meet the needs of every student, and adequately prepare students for further education and success in the workforce.

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What is the money used for?

The money will be used to lower class sizes in Grades K-3 and to ensure that full day Kindergarten remains in place in every school.

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How do I know the money will be spent that way?

Arizona law is very specific in how school district’s can spend the money received from overrides.  When voters approve bonds and overrides the language regarding expenditure of these funds is stated very specifically in the voters pamphlet and districts are required to use the funds for only the stated purposes.  These funds are audited every year to ensure that the funds are being spent as directed by the voters.

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Will this renewal raise my taxes?

No.  The K-3 Override has been in effect for five years, a renewal will merely allow these funds to remain in place and will not increase the property tax rate.

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How much will this override cost the average homeowner?

Based on a home value of $250,000, a homeowner would pay $12.60 per year.

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