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Kyrene board approves pro statement for M&O override, asks staff to emphasize 'Keep Kyrene strong' language
Summary
The Kyrene governing board voted 5‑0 on July 8 to approve a pro statement for a maintenance and operations (M&O) budget override election and requested edits to the statement’s tone and order. District counsel briefed members on legal limits for employee and district involvement under ARS 15‑511.
The Kyrene Elementary District Governing Board on July 8 approved a resolution adopting a pro statement for an upcoming maintenance and operations (M&O) budget override election and asked staff to move wording that invokes the campaign brand “Keep Kyrene strong” closer to the statement’s opening.
Jordan Allell, district counsel, briefed the board on statutory limits that restrict district resources from being used to influence elections, citing Arizona Revised Statutes section 15‑511 and related attorney‑general guidance. Counsel told the board the restrictions are broad and include use of district time, email, hardware, software and other resources; penalties can include personal civil liability for individuals who violate the statute.
Board feedback and edits: Several board members suggested changes to the tone and ordering of the pro statement. Member Bunny Davis said the statement read “cold” and proposed a more invitational opening; Vice President Trina Nelson confirmed the board will coordinate factual materials and separate campaign‑pack messaging. The board instructed staff to modify the pro statement to surface the “Join us in keeping Kyrene strong” language earlier if that could be completed by the submission deadline.
Legal and practical limits: Counsel emphasized permissible activities for board members and staff acting in a personal capacity (wearing buttons, making statements outside of duty time), and cautioned against using district letterhead, email, or time to advocate. The attorney noted the public submission deadline for pro/con statements from the general public is August 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.; board materials and staff guidance will be circulated to avoid statutory violations.
Board action: The governing board approved the resolution with the modified pro statement language and adopted the certification necessary to move forward with the election materials. Motion passed 5‑0.
Ending: The board’s approved pro statement will appear in the voter materials; the district and separate community campaign groups will coordinate the distribution of factual information and any independent persuasive messaging, subject to statutory constraints.
