The Chandler Unified School District Governing Board has called for a special Bond & Override election on November 4, 2025.

What is the Override & Why is the District Seeking Renewal?

A continuation of the override would maintain current funding levels for the next seven years, with a phase-down beginning in year five if not renewed.

Without voter approval, the override would begin to phase out, directly impacting class sizes, teacher compensation, and various student programs.

An override is a financial mechanism that allows school districts to exceed their state-imposed budget limits to support operational expenses such as salaries, benefits, supplies, and utilities. CUSD is proposing to continue its 15% M&O override, which has been in place since 2013 and has helped fund:

Override Items

To maintain safety personnel & initiatives at District schools

To maintain competitive class sizes

To support teacher pay

To maintain specialized programming, instructional materials, and enhance technology

What is the Bond and Why is it Being Requested?

It is the opinion of the Governing Board that additional funding for construction, acquisition, building, and site improvements would help the District maintain the over $1B investment by the District in its existing facilities.  In addition, the District would use funds to purchase pupil transportation vehicles, furniture, equipment and technology for instructional purposes.  Capital funding through the annual funding formula, District Additional Assistance, is limited and not adjusted for inflation. There is no state funding to replace existing schools, only for new ones. As a result of COVID, the District provided computer devices for over 42,000 students, which are scheduled to be replaced. Additionally, the transportation formula does not cover bus replacements.

Bond Line Items

Transportation Fleet

Instructional – land, construction, school improvement

Instructional – furniture & equipment & technology

What Is the Difference Between a Bond & Override?

A bond provides the district with additional funding for capital expenditures such as new buildings, building additions, land acquisitions, school buses, building renovations, furniture, equipment, and technology. Conversely, an override pertains to operational expenses including salaries, benefits, supplies, purchased services, utilities, and insurance.

Tax Impact

The estimated first year tax rate for the proposed budget override amount is $1.09 per $100 of assessed valuation.

The estimated average tax rate for the proposed bond authorization is $0.32 per $100 of assessed valuation.