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Maricopa County Voters Decide 21 School Bonds and Overrides Today

Recent override losses in Higley, Deer Valley illustrate the staffing cuts at stake.

Overview

  • Ten districts seek more than $1.5 billion in bonds for buildings, buses, technology and safety upgrades, while 14 districts seek maintenance-and-operations overrides to support salaries, class sizes and programs.
  • Estimated homeowner costs vary widely, from about $11 per year in Arlington Elementary to $383 in Higley Unified, based on assessed property value.
  • Unofficial results are expected after 8 p.m. Tuesday, with final outcomes determined following county tabulation and canvass.
  • Higley’s override failed by fewer than 500 votes last year, leading to a $5.1 million budget loss and more than 80 staff cuts, and Deer Valley reduced roughly 50 positions after phasing down $11 million.
  • Campaigns contend with low turnout and rising voter skepticism over school spending and curriculum debates, as noted by consultant Chuck Coughlin.