The Tempe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted August 22 to support the bonds and overrides proposed by the Kyrene Elementary School District and the Tempe Union High School District. The bond and override questions will be on the November ballot for Tempe voters to consider.
The Tempe Chamber believes the money is needed and will enhance the education experience for students in each of the districts.
Kyrene Elementary School District will have two override questions and one bond question on the ballot. The two budget override questions will not increase taxes. They are a continuation of existing overrides to be used for maintenance and operation and capital.
The loss of the Kyrene overrides could lead to the loss of funding for teacher salaries, increased class sizes and the risk of losing music and art programs as well as the district’s technology program. The bond reauthorization will fund much-needed repairs and improvements of school facilities, busses and the ability to move forward with preschool expansion.
Tempe Union High School District will have one override question on the ballot. It includes a small tax increase since the override amount will increase from 10 percent to 15 percent if approved by voters. The revenues will be dedicated to teacher salaries.
The Kyrene Elementary School District includes south Tempe, Ahwatukee and portions of Chandler. The Tempe Union High School District encompasses all of the City of Tempe.
