Peoria Unified administrators outline M&O override, warn of $11M–$22M cuts if voters do not continue it

District administrators told the Governing Board Wednesday that continuation or change of the district’s 13% M&O override is time-sensitive and that voters in November 2025 will decide whether the extra property-tax–supported funding continues.

Ms. Myers, presenting the study item on voter‑approved initiatives, said the existing 13% M&O override provides roughly $33,000,000 annually for Peoria Unified and supports assistant principals, nurses, health services, athletics and extracurricular programs, free full‑day kindergarten, class‑size standards and teacher compensation. She explained Arizona law allows M&O overrides up to 15% and that the district’s current 13% override is funded by secondary property taxes. "If not approved by the voters for continuation in November 2025," Ms. Myers said, the district would have to reduce the FY2027 M&O expenditure budget by about $11,000,000 and FY2028 by $22,000,000, with the override fully eliminated in FY2029 if not renewed.

Ms. Myers and a representative from the polling firm High Ground (Paul Bence) told the board the district could form a Citizens Advisory Committee and commission a public‑opinion survey this spring to inform any proposed ballot language, recommended percentage and categories of support. Board members asked about timing, overlap with other ballot measures (including the state’s Prop 123 discussion), and how federal funding uncertainties could affect voters’ willingness to approve local tax measures.

The board asked administration to include a March 13 Friday report with additional details and to return with options and recommended next steps; no formal action was taken Wednesday during the study session.