The proposed bill would update current statutes concerning the management of financial records in school districts by introducing new provisions and modifying existing language. Specifically, it would require the State Board of Education (SBE) to consult with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) if a school district fails to correct a Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR) deficiency within 90 days of notice from the Auditor General (OAG). The SBE would then direct ADE to provide a list of approved training programs that the school district must implement within 30 days. Additionally, if deficiencies are not corrected within 18 months, the SBE would notify the governing board that the superintendent is ineligible for performance-based pay, and the governing board would be prohibited from calling for bond or override elections until the issues are resolved.

The bill also modifies existing language regarding budget override elections, clarifying that a school district cannot order an override election if it has unresolved deficiencies. It establishes a maximum budget increase limit of ten percent of the school district's revenue control limit. The updates aim to enhance accountability and ensure timely compliance with financial record-keeping standards, thereby improving the overall financial management practices within Arizona school districts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-272, 15-302, 15-481, 15-491, 16-204, 15-905, 42-12003, 42-12001, 15-422, 15-423, 15-424, 15-426, 15-403, 15-947, 15-482, 15-949, 15-971, 15-447, 15-271
House Engrossed Version: 15-272, 15-302, 15-481, 15-491, 15-341, 16-204, 15-905, 42-12003, 42-12001, 15-422, 15-423, 15-424, 15-426, 15-403, 15-947, 15-482, 15-949, 15-971, 15-447, 15-271
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-272, 15-302, 15-481, 15-491, 15-341, 16-204, 15-905, 42-12003, 42-12001, 15-422, 15-423, 15-424, 15-426, 15-403, 15-947, 15-482, 15-949, 15-971, 15-447, 15-271