District prepares for cuts to programs, staffing, services

The Higley Unified School District is entering a pivotal period after the failure of its proposed 15% maintenance and operations override — a result that now triggers further reductions to programs, staffing and services.

The override's failure also leaves families and employees waiting for clarity about what the district can afford to preserve.

The override failed by 1,488 votes, a margin of 54.39% to 45.61%, just one year after voters rejected it by fewer than 300 votes and 1%.

Maintenance and operations overrides in Arizona last seven years, but funding phases down in the final two years — from 15% to 10% and then 5% — before expiring. Higley will receive the final 5% next fiscal year, making this the last year the district

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