Q. How long has Wickenburg Unified School District had an M&O Override in Place?

A. A 10% Maintenance & Operations Override has been consecutively in place for 27 years, since 1995.

Q. What is an M&O Override?

A. The state of Arizona allows school districts to increase their budget by up to 15% of the allocated state funding. Voters must approve this override, which runs for a period of seven years. WUSD is requesting a continuation of a 10% override.

Q. What happens if the override is not renewed?

A. Unless the override is renewed a phase out of 1/3 of the approved funds occurs in year six and again in year seven. If the override is not renewed cuts will be required. Generally, school district personnel costs are more than 75% of maintenance and operations budgets. At this time the override funds are equivalent to salaries of 20 teachers and 5 aides.

Q. How much does the M&O Override generate in funding each year for the District?

A. The total amount per year is approximately $936,000.

Q. What does the M&O Override currently fund?

A. Revenue provided through the Override supports the entire education program of the district. The district is able to provide a sufficient number of teachers and aides to maintain quality programs, instruction and accountability.

Q. Are there other funds available to the district to eliminate the need for override funds?

A. No. The major sources of school funding are per-pupil state aid, local property taxes and federal funds. Other sources such as tax credits are available and helpful, but cannot be used to support the regular education program.

Q. How much does the M&O Override cost?

A. Taxpayers will pay approximately $6.00 per month on a home with a current Limited Property Value assessment of $225,000.

Q. Which residents are able to consider this measure?

A. All voters in the Wickenburg School District will see the question on their ballot.  This includes residents of Wickenburg, Festival Foothills, and Wickenburg Ranch.