The resolution SCR1032 proposes a measure that, subject to voter approval, mandates that school districts in Arizona with a student population of at least 7,500 or located in counties with populations exceeding 500,000 must allocate at least 60% of their operational spending to direct instructional expenses. Starting in fiscal year 2028, districts that fail to meet this requirement will be required to increase their spending on direct instructional expenses by at least 0.5% annually until compliance is achieved. The resolution outlines penalties for non-compliance, including reductions in funding from the Classroom Site Fund (CSF) based on the duration of non-compliance.

Additionally, the resolution allows the Superintendent of Public Instruction to grant waivers for non-compliance under specific conditions, including a limit on the number of waivers issued over a ten-year period. The Auditor General is tasked with defining "direct instructional expenses" and "operational spending" for the purposes of this measure. The resolution will be submitted to voters at the next general election and will take effect only if approved by the electorate and proclaimed by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-189.05, 15-248.01, 15-903, 15-502, 15-544, 2026-2027, 35-190, 15-947, 15-189.06, 15-537
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-917
Transmitted to Secretary of State: 15-917