Budget and ballot override measure back on school board’s agenda

When the Maricopa Unified School District governing board meets Wednesday evening, they will be asked to approve the revised budget for the coming fiscal year and to determine whether or not to put a budget override measure on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Originally passed in May 2005, the override was defeated by only 20 votes on the March 9 ballot. If not continued, override funding is reduced by one third each year for two years and then expires in 2012-2013. An override is for maintenance and operations; it levies no new taxes and is different from a bond, which is used to build structures with capital funds.

Per Arizona Revised Statute a public hearing on the 2010-2011 budget will be held, combined with the Truth in Taxation Notice hearing. That notice is to inform property owners that the district is proposing an increase in its primary property tax levy from $45.30 to $83.95 on a $100,000 home.

The proposed budget for 2010-2011 indicates nearly $5 million in personnel reductions, both positions and stipends.

Other agenda items slated for board discussion and possible approval are the purchase of the Genesis data management system and courtyard improvements at Maricopa Wells Middle School.

Board members will discuss planning, procedures, guidelines and permission for district field trips and both organization and fundraising for parent support organizations.

The first reading of the policy on class rank and grade point average will be presented. The policy recommends that, beginning with the class of 2011, AIMS scores no longer be included in the GPA and weighting for advanced classes be changed to a point system.

Scheduled reports include:  school improvement plans for Maricopa Wells and its feeder schools, on initial report on Maricopa Wells from newly named principal Rick Abel, a transportation update and reviews of the volunteer program handbook and the Arizona Academy drum and bugle corps’ visit to Maricopa.

If you go:
What:  MUSD governing board meeting
When:  Wednesday, July 14, 6 p.m.
Where: District Office Administration Bldg, 44150 W. Maricopa/Casa Grande Hwy.

Click here for full meeting agenda.

Photo by Jake Johnson