Chandler Unified School District discusses bond and override election options for November

The Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board held a study session on May 7, 2025, to discuss potential override and bond options for the upcoming election. The meeting aimed to inform board members and the community about the implications of these financial measures, which are crucial for maintaining district operations and programs.

The session began with a presentation by Missus Berry, who outlined the agenda and emphasized the importance of community engagement. She noted that the board would decide on June 11 whether to call for elections regarding a maintenance and operation continuation override and a new bond authorization. The community will have the opportunity to vote on these measures in November.

Berry explained that overrides are voter-approved initiatives that generate additional tax revenue for the district. CUSD has had a 15% override in place since 2013, which is critical for sustaining salary schedules and educational programs. The board has the authority to call for an override, but it is ultimately up to voters to approve it. The current override is set to expire, and the board must decide whether to continue it at the same rate or propose a different percentage.

The discussion included a historical overview of past overrides and bonds, highlighting that the district has successfully passed several initiatives since the first override in 1989, with only one failure in 2012. Berry emphasized the importance of maintaining funding levels to avoid significant budget cuts, which could impact staff and programs.

The board was presented with various options for the upcoming election, including the pros and cons of calling for an election in 2025 versus waiting until 2026. If the board opts for 2025, they can seek voter approval without introducing new language on the ballot, but they may face voter fatigue. Conversely, waiting until 2026 could result in budget cuts if the measure fails.

Berry also discussed the financial implications of the override, noting that if approved, it would generate approximately $45 million annually. The tax rate for homeowners would remain stable, with an estimated cost of $109 for a $100,000 home.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and community involvement, as the board prepares to finalize its recommendations and ballot language in the coming weeks. The next steps include gathering feedback from the community and preparing for the June decision on whether to proceed with the elections.