Many Arizona voters will be able to weigh in on school board races in the November 2024 election.
Though school district governing board races are toward the bottom of the ballot, their outcomes have real consequences for the more than 880,000 children who attend public school districts across the state. The people voters select will help create policies, set budgets, choose curricula and educational materials and oversee superintendents. School board races are nonpartisan, and being a school board member is an unpaid position.
In Maricopa County, candidates are competing for governing board seats in 33 school districts.
In some districts, individuals officially filed to run as write-in candidates. Their names won't be on the ballot — voters will have to write them in — but they are the only names that will be counted as write-ins when votes are tallied.
Not all voters in school districts with open governing board seats will see school board races on their ballots. Races for 81 school board seats were canceled because not enough candidates filed to run. Nine of those will be declared vacant. For the remaining 72 seats, individuals who qualified for the ballot or who filed to run as a write-in candidate will be appointed.
The Arizona Republic sent a questionnaire to each school board candidate in the races that made it to the ballot, including write-in candidates.
Some voters may also see other school-related questions on their ballot: Three districts in the Phoenix area are seeking approval to sell district-owned property, and 26 are seeking approval for funding measures.
Those include bond measures, which fund capital costs like school renovations, construction and school buses; maintenance and operations overrides, which allow districts to increase their maintenance and operations budget by up to 15% for seven years to fund things like salaries and student programs; and district additional assistance overrides, which provide districts with additional funding for capital expenses.
Bonds and overrides are funded by property owners in the district via property taxes.
Find your district below, along with a link to its governing board candidate Q&A and information about any additional items that will be on the ballot.
Links to more governing board candidate Q&As will be added as they are published.
Agua Fria Union High School District
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board.
The Agua Fria High School District is seeking voter approval for a $138 million bond measure to fund school building repairs and modernizations, safety and security upgrades, additional school buses and classroom technology, furniture and equipment.The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.20 for $100 of assessed property value.
Alhambra Elementary School District, No. 68
The Alhambra Elementary School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to reduce class sizes and help fund full-day kindergarten; salaries to hire additional teachers; K-3 instructional assistants and maintenance staff; K-3 art, music and PE programs; school security efforts and the intermediate band program.The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $2.35 per $100 of assessed property value.
Avondale Elementary School District, No. 44
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Avondale Elementary School District Governing Board.
The Avondale Elementary School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to maintain or reduce class sizes and help fund full-day kindergarten; special area classes, like PE, technology, art and band; positions for school nurses, social workers, counselors and psychologists; student transportation services and educator recruitment and retention efforts.The estimated yearly tax rate for the maintenance and operations budget override is $0.82 per $100 of assessed property value.
The district is also seeking voter approval to renew a district additional assistance budget override to fund safety and security improvements, curriculum and supplemental materials, technology and student transportation vehicles.The estimated yearly tax rate for the district additional assistance budget override is $0.48 per $100 of assessed property value.
Balsz Elementary School District, No. 31
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Balsz Elementary School District Governing Board.
The Balsz Elementary School District is seeking voter approval for an $18 million bond measure to fund renovations and improvements to school facilities, including a gym and a cafeteria; technology upgrades; improvements to school grounds; and technology, furniture and school buses.The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.31 per $100 of assessed property value.
The district is also seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to maintain class sizes and help fund full-day kindergarten; special area classes, like computer science, fine arts and STEM programs; after-school sports and extracurricular programs; and staff salaries, benefits and professional development.The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $0.61 per $100 of assessed property value.
Buckeye Elementary School District, No. 33
The Buckeye Elementary School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 10% maintenance and operations budget override to reduce class sizes and help fund teacher salaries, extracurricular activities and athletics, music, art and PE programs; full-day kindergarten and technology.The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $1.09 per $100 of assessed property value.
Buckeye Union High School District
Four candidates, including one write-in, are competing for three four-year seats on the Buckeye Union High School District Governing Board.
The Buckeye Union High School District is seeking voter approval for a $155 million bond measure to fund safety and security measures; student laptops; remodels of restrooms and science and art classrooms; student transportation vehicles; air conditioning unit replacements; and the construction of a new school.The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.54 per $100 of assessed property value.
Cartwright Elementary School District, No. 83
Five candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Cartwright Elementary School District Governing Board. Two candidates are competing for one two-year seat.
Cave Creek Unified School District, No. 93
Seven candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Cave Creek Unified School District Governing Board.
Chandler Unified School District, No. 80
Six candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board.
The Chandler Unified School District is seeking voter approval for a $487,450,000 bond measure to fund transportation, school improvements, furniture, equipment and technology. The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.41 per $100 of assessed property value.
Creighton Elementary School District, No. 14
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Creighton Elementary School District Governing Board.
The Creighton Elementary School District is seeking voter approval for an $85 million bond measure to fund building maintenance and renovations; improvements to school grounds; conservation measures and energy efficiency projects; replacement of old student transportation vehicles; safety and security improvements; and furniture, technology and equipment. The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.69 per $100 of assessed property value.
Deer Valley Unified School District, No. 97
Eight candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Deer Valley Unified School District Governing Board.
The Deer Valley Unified School District is seeking voter approval for a $325 million bond measure to fund safety and security enhancements, conservation measures and energy efficiency projects, technology improvements, building improvements, school bus replacements, new construction, furniture and equipment.The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.68 per $100 of assessed property value.
The district is also seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to help fund salaries, full-day kindergarten, counselors and support services staff, and maintain class sizes. The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $0.93 per $100 of assessed property value.
Dysart Unified School District, No. 89
Five candidates, including one write-in, are competing for three four-year seats on the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board.
The Dysart Unified School District is seeking voter approval for a $127 million bond measure to fund safety and security improvements, facility renovations, school bus replacements, construction of a new elementary school and land for a new high school.The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.36 per $100 of assessed property value.
Fountain Hills Unified School District, No. 98
Three candidates are competing for two four-year seats on the Fountain Hills Unified School District Governing Board.
The Fountain Hills Unified School District is seeking voter approval to sell, lease or exchange two district-owned parcels — one approximately 20 acres and one approximately 17.5 acres.
Fowler Elementary School District, No. 45
Two candidates are competing for one four-year seat on the Fowler Elementary School District Governing Board.
Gila Bend Unified School District, No. 24
Three candidates are competing for two two-year seats on the Gila Bend Unified School District Governing Board: Kimberly Turner and incumbents Joanne Carpenter and Gerald Manuel Lopez. None of the candidates responded to The Republic's questionnaire.
The Gila Bend Unified School District is also seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to maintain or reduce class sizes and help fund full-day kindergarten, athletics, music and technology programs and classroom materials. The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $0.57 per $100 of assessed property value.
Gilbert Unified School District, No. 41
Six candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board.
The Gilbert Unified School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to help fund educator salaries, class size reductions, choice programs and campus safety and security measures.The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $1.18 per $100 of assessed property value.
The district is also seeking voter approval to sell, lease or exchange two district-owned parcels — one approximately 14 acres and one approximately 12 acres.
Glendale Elementary School District, No. 40
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Glendale Elementary School District Governing Board.
Glendale Union High School District, No. 205
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Glendale Union High School District Governing Board.
The Glendale Union High School District is seeking voter approval for a $195 million bond measure to fund safety and security measures, building replacements and improvements, technology, performing arts equipment, field and court safety improvements, parking lot improvements and student transportation vehicles. The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.47 per $100 of assessed property value.
Higley Unified School District, No. 60
Six candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Higley Unified School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
The Higley Unified School District is seeking voter approval for an $83.1 million bond measure to help fund safety, security and technology improvements; maintenance projects, including roofing and HVAC repairs; school improvement projects; and transportation vehicles. The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.33 per $100 of assessed property value.
The district is also seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to support special education programs; increase teacher pay; maintain class sizes by providing staffing; maintain PE, music and arts programs; support gifted programs and full-day kindergarten and help fund educational resources for classrooms. The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $1.40 per $100 of assessed property value.
Isaac Elementary School District, No. 5
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Isaac Elementary School District Governing Board: Savannah Galaviz and incumbents Maria Guzman, Maria Hernandez and Rudy Santa-Cruz. None of the candidates responded to The Republic's questionnaire.
The Isaac Elementary School District is also seeking voter approval to sell, lease or exchange an approximately one-acre parcel.
Kyrene Elementary School District, No. 28
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Kyrene Elementary School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
Laveen Elementary School District, No. 59
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Laveen Elementary School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
The Laveen Elementary School District is seeking voter approval for a $50 million bond measure to help fund safety and security improvements; facility and grounds improvements; construction, acquisition and additions for new and existing schools; and transportation vehicles.The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.66 per $100 of assessed property value.
The district is also seeking voter approval to renew a district additional assistance budget override to help fund technology and instructional materials, curriculum and textbooks, security and safety infrastructure and transportation vehicles. The estimated yearly tax rate for the district additional assistance budget override is $2.03 per $100 of assessed property value,
The district is also seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to help fund full-day kindergarten, employee salaries and art, music, PE and elective programs.The estimated yearly tax rate for the maintenance and operations budget override is $2.29 per $100 of assessed property value.
Liberty Elementary School District, No. 25
Five candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board. Two candidates are competing for one two-year seat. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates here.
Littleton Elementary School District, No. 65
The Littleton Elementary School District is seeking voter approval for a district additional assistance budget override to help fund student transportation vehicles, furniture and equipment and instructional technology and materials. The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $0.74 per $100 of assessed property value.
Mesa Unified School District, No. 4
Five candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Mesa Unified School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
Morristown Elementary School District, No. 75
Two candidates are competing for one four-year seat on the Morristown Elementary School District Governing Board: Susan Marshall and write-in James Madsen, both incumbents. Neither of the candidates responded to The Republic's questionnaire.
Palo Verde Elementary School District, No. 49
The Palo Verde Elementary School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 14% maintenance and operations budget override to help fund full-day kindergarten and PE, reading and instructional technology programs; maintain class sizes by funding teacher and classroom aide staffing levels; maintain or increase staff salaries; and provide updated technology trainings. The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $1.72 per $100 of assessed property value.
Paradise Valley Unified School District, No. 69
Six candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
Peoria Unified School District
Six candidates are competing for three seats on the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
The Peoria Unified School District is seeking voter approval for a $120 million bond measure to fund safety and security measures, school repairs, new elementary school construction, technology and transportation. The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.27 per $100 of net assessed value.
Phoenix Union High School District
Four candidates are competing for two four-year seats to represent the entire Phoenix Union High School District on its Governing Board. Two write-in candidates are competing for one two-year seat to represent Ward 5, which encompasses the northwest portion of the district. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
Queen Creek Unified School District, No. 95
Five candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
The Queen Creek Unified School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to help maintain school security, art and music classes, academic supports, class sizes at the K-8 level, teacher and staff salaries and ROTC and gifted programs. The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $1.43 per $100 of net assessed value.
Riverside Elementary School District, No. 2
The Riverside Elementary School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to help reduce class sizes and fund full-day kindergarten; school nurses; teacher and staff salaries; special education programs; specialized teachers for technology, engineering, science, physical education, art and sports; engineering instructional programs; free breakfast; student medical training programs. The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $0.21 per $100 of net assessed value.
Roosevelt Elementary School District, No. 66
Seven candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Roosevelt Elementary School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
The Roosevelt Elementary School District is seeking voter approval for a $150 million bond measure to fund safety measures, building repairs and upgrades and technology. The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.72 per $100 of net assessed value.
Saddle Mountain Unified School District, No. 90
The Saddle Mountain Unified School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to help retain and recruit teachers and support staff and maintain class sizes, fine arts and career and technical education programs, athletics and other extracurricular activities, school buses and full-day kindergarten. The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $0.39 per $100 of net assessed value.
Scottsdale Unified School District, No. 48
Six candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
Tempe Elementary School District, No. 3
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Tempe Elementary School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
The Tempe Elementary School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to help maintain elementary class sizes and fund music, physical education, gifted education, full-day kindergarten teachers, elementary and middle school counselors, and after-school intervention programs.The estimated yearly tax rate for the maintenance and operations budget override is $0.51 per $100 of net assessed value.
The district is also seeking a district additional assistance budget override to help fund school-based technology, information and operational technology systems, school furniture and equipment and upgraded safety and security systems. The estimated yearly tax rate for the district additional assistance budget override is $0.33 per $100 of net assessed value.
Tolleson Elementary School District, No. 17
Six candidates are competing for three seats on the Tolleson Elementary School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
The Tolleson Elementary School District is seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to help fund full-day kindergarten; art, technology, PE and band classes; alternative education programs; athletics; counselors for Jobs for Arizona Graduates; and a social worker. The estimated yearly tax rate for the maintenance and operations budget override is $0.98 per $100 of net assessed value.
The district is also seeking voter approval for a district additional assistance budget override to help fund updated classroom technology, instructional materials and textbooks, uniforms and equipment for band and music programs, STEM curriculum and enhanced safety and security measures. The estimated yearly tax rate for the district additional assistance budget override is $0.59 per $100 of net assessed value.
Tolleson Union High School District, No. 214
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Tolleson Union High School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
The Tolleson Union High School District is seeking voter approval for a $125 million bond measure to fund building maintenance, replace outdated systems, school building construction, technology, furniture and equipment, transportation and maintenance vehicles and school ground improvements. The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.34 per $100 of net assessed value.
The district is also seeking voter approval to renew a district additional assistance budget override to help fund technology. The estimated yearly tax rate for the override is $0.64 per $100 of net assessed value.
Washington Elementary School District, No. 6
Four candidates are competing for three four-year seats on the Washington Elementary School District Governing Board. Read a Q&A with the Governing Board candidates.
Wilson Elementary School District, No. 7
The Wilson Elementary School District is seeking voter approval for a $10.5 million bond measure to help fund security infrastructure, instructional technology, structural repairs, building maintenance and energy efficiency.The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.48 per $100 of net assessed value.
The district is also seeking voter approval to renew a 15% maintenance and operations budget override to help fund teaching salaries, counseling, safety and security measures; reduced class sizes; art, music and PE programs; and expanded course offerings. The estimated yearly tax rate for the maintenance and operations budget override is $0.75 per $100 of net assessed value.
The district is also seeking voter approval to renew a district additional assistance budget override to help fund educational and operational technology; library software and books; textbooks; musical instruments; sports equipment; arts materials; safety management software; curriculum materials; and classroom and district technology. The estimated yearly tax rate for the district additional assistance budget override is $0.33 per $100 of net assessed value.
Reach the reporter at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com.
