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GUHSD Governing Board Calls for M & O Election

Override Supports Classroom, Programs, Opportunities, & Safety

At its May 6, 2026, meeting, the Glendale Union High School District Governing Board approved a resolution to continue the district’s existing 10% Maintenance and Operations Override and called for the election to be held in November 2026.

The override provides important funding that supports classroom instruction, student programs, extracurricular opportunities, safety measures, and student support services throughout the district. The existing override has played an important role in helping GUHSD maintain strong academic programs and opportunities for students.

The Governing Board’s decision followed months of review and discussion that included input and recommendations from the district’s Blue Ribbon Citizens Committee. Committee members reviewed financial information, participated in discussions regarding district needs and priorities, and helped provide valuable community perspective throughout the process.

GUHSD appreciates the time, dedication, and thoughtful participation of the committee members and all community members who contributed to the process. Additional information regarding the November 2026 override election and community informational opportunities will be shared in the months ahead.

 

What is a Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Override?

Salaries, Benefits, Utilities, Supplies, and Services

A Maintenance and Operations (M&O) override is a voter-approved funding measure that allows a school district to receive additional local funding above the budget limit set by the state. These funds help support the daily operation of schools and maintain programs and services that may not be fully funded through state funding alone.

M&O override funding is commonly used for teacher and staff salaries and benefits, classroom programs, student services, utilities, supplies, and other operational costs that support teaching and learning.

Overrides are approved by voters for a period of seven years, with the funding gradually phasing down in the final years if the override is not renewed.

  • Maintenance & Operations Override Community Meetings

    March 2026 – Maintenance and Operations (M&O) override funding is available to school districts across Arizona and provides additional resources to support the daily operation of schools.

    At its October 15, 2025, meeting, the Glendale Union High School District Governing Board approved the formation of a Blue Ribbon Citizens Committee to study the district’s budget and evaluate the need for a potential continuation of the M&O override. The Governing Board authorized the committee to review information about the district’s Maintenance and Operations budget and determine whether there is a need to seek voter approval to continue this funding.

    The Blue Ribbon Citizens Committee held its initial meeting on March 10 to begin evaluating the district’s Maintenance and Operations budget. Ultimately, the committee will make a recommendation to the Governing Board on whether the district should call for a Maintenance and Operations override renewal election in November 2026.

    As part of this process, GUHSD will host two public community meetings to provide an overview of the district’s budget and offer an opportunity for community members to share their perspectives.

    All parents, students, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion.

    COMMUNITY MEETING SCHEDULE

    Tuesday, March 24, 6:00 p.m.
    Washington High School – Media Center
    2217 W. Glendale Avenue
    Phoenix, Arizona

    Thursday, March 26, 6:00 p.m.
    Apollo High School – Big Hawk Room
    8045 N. 47th Avenue
    Glendale, Arizona

    While you may attend either meeting, community members are welcome at both. Your participation helps ensure the district hears a wide range of perspectives as decisions are considered.

    If you have questions, contact the Community Relations Department at 623-435-6001 or prdept@guhsdaz.org

  • March 10, 2026 – Blue Ribbon Presentation 1

    March 31, 2026 – Blue Ribbon Presentation 2

  • M & O Override Information

  • What Is Proposition 320?

    Arizona voters will consider Proposition 320 in November 2026. If approved, certain school districts would be required to spend at least 60% of their operational spending on direct instruction.

    Proposition 320 was referred to the ballot by the Arizona Legislature through SCR 1032. The measure was not initiated by Glendale Union High School District (GUHSD).

    What Could Proposition 320 Mean for GUHSD?

    Current Direct Instruction Spending Proposed Requirement
    57.1% 60%

    Based on fiscal year 2025 spending data, GUHSD currently allocates 57.1% of its operational spending to direct instruction.

    Estimated Spending Shift
    Approximately $14 million

    Under the proposed requirement, approximately $14 million would need to shift into direct instruction, with a corresponding reduction of approximately $14 million in other operational spending categories.

    How Does GUHSD Currently Allocate Operational Spending?

    GUHSD's total operational spending for fiscal year 2025 was approximately $188.9 million.

    Spending Category Amount Percentage
    Direct Instruction $107.9 million 57.1%
    Student Support $17.2 million 9.1%
    Instruction Support $12.5 million 6.6%
    Administration $14.7 million 7.8%
    Plant Operations $21.2 million 11.2%
    Food Service $7.4 million 3.9%
    Transportation $8.1 million 4.3%
    Total Operational Spending $188.9 million 100%

    Dollar amounts are rounded to the nearest $100,000.

    What Counts as Direct Instruction?

    According to the spending classifications presented in the district's fact sheet, direct instruction includes:

    • Teachers, teachers' aides, and substitute teachers

    • Instructional supplies

    • Field trips

    • Athletics

    • Extracurricular activities

    What Services Fall Outside Direct Instruction?

    GUHSD's operational spending also includes services categorized outside direct instruction.

    • Student Support: Counselors, nurses, social workers, and attendance services.
    • Instruction Support: Librarians, teacher training, curriculum, and special education leadership.
    • Administration: Principals, finance, payroll, purchasing, human resources, and information technology.
    • Plant Operations: Maintenance, custodial services, security, utilities, and insurance.
    • Additional operational categories include food service and student transportation.

    Examples of GUHSD Spending Outside Direct Instruction

    The following figures reflect fiscal year 2025 expenditures for services categorized outside direct instruction.

    Service Amount
    Guidance Counselors $2.1 million
    Librarians $0.8 million
    Nurses $1.1 million
    Principals and Assistant Principals $4.2 million
    Social Workers $1.1 million
    School Resource Officers (SROs) $1.2 million
    Student Transportation $8.2 million
    Utilities $6.4 million
    District Administration $3.5 million

    These figures are examples of current expenditures and do not represent proposed budget reductions.

    Additional Information

    For more information about Proposition 320, please review the following resources:

    School district spending analysis—Fiscal year 2025

    District Information Statement

    Glendale Union High School District provides this information as a neutral, factual resource to help community members understand a statewide ballot measure.

    Proposition 320 was referred to the ballot by the Arizona Legislature and was not initiated by GUHSD. Voters are encouraged to review official ballot materials before deciding how to vote.

    Sources: Arizona Auditor General spending definitions and fiscal year 2025 spending data.