What’s Your Ballot Got to Do with Education?
A voter’s guide to Arizona’s 2026 education-related ballot measures
When Arizona voters head to the polls this November, they will make decisions that go beyond candidates for office. Down the ballot are measures that will shape how public schools spend their money, how educational institutions support students, and whether local school districts have the resources they need to provide the best possible education.
Education Forward Arizona believes every student deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college, career and life. That means looking closely at what ballot measures actually do, not just how they sound on the surface.
This year, Education Forward Arizona recommends a NO vote on Proposition 320 and Proposition 142. We also encourage voters to pay close attention to local school bonds, overrides and other education-related measures on their ballots and generally recommend a yes vote on them. These local decisions will have direct impacts on the schools, students and communities we all depend on.
Proposition 320: 60% Direct Instructional Spending
Education Forward Arizona recommends: Vote NO
At first glance, requiring school districts to spend 60% of their budgets on “direct instruction” may sound like a good idea, but Proposition 320 creates a rigid spending formula without even defining what counts as an instructional expense. Instead, that decision will be made later by the state Auditor General, an unelected political appointee. Why approve a spending mandate and penalties when voters don’t yet know exactly what will count? Additionally and importantly, the measure does not guarantee a raise for teachers.
Who is impacted: All schools in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima Counties and Flagstaff Unified School District and Yuma Union High School District.
Concerns around Prop 320:
- It doesn’t add a single dollar to education – Arizona schools are already chronically underfunded. Proposition 320 doesn’t provide additional resources; it simply tells districts how to divide the money they already have. Worse, districts that don’t meet the requirement will face severe funding penalties; including the loss of dollars that support teacher salaries. Arizona needs to invest more in our schools, not force them to make impossible choices with inadequate resources.
- Loss of local control – Arizona has locally elected school boards for a reason: they understand their communities and should have a meaningful voice in how local schools operate. One-size-fits-all mandates don’t work for every community – School districts have different students, needs and costs. Yet Proposition 320 imposes the same rigid spending formula and penalties across districts, without accounting for local circumstances.
- Schools need more than classroom instruction – Students need teachers, but they also need nurses, counselors, special education professionals, buses, technology, safe buildings and air conditioning. If these essential services don’t count toward the 60% requirement then districts could be forced to cut critical supports, simply to meet an arbitrary spending target.
- Accountability should be consistent – Education Forward Arizona supports transparency and accountability for every taxpayer dollar. But public-school districts already face extensive financial reporting and auditing requirements and if passed, Prop 320 will only apply to public school districts.
Bottom line: Proposition 320 doesn’t provide more money, doesn’t guarantee teacher raises and could force schools to cut essential services to meet what is currently a very unclear formula. Arizona needs greater investment in education, not more mandates and penalties.
Proposition 142: Preferential Treatment and Discrimination
Education Forward Arizona recommends: Vote NO
Proposition 142 would amend the Arizona Constitution to add further details on how public schools, colleges, universities and other public institutions address prohibition of preferential treatment and discrimination.
Education Forward Arizona believes every student should have the opportunity to succeed, and educational institutions should have the flexibility to provide programs and support that help students, particularly students who have historically faced barriers to educational opportunity, reach their full potential.
Prop 142 could restrict how public institutions provide certain programs, training, outreach and student support. It could also affect scholarships and educational opportunities when institutions are trying to reach students who have been underserved.
Bottom Line: Education Forward Arizona believes Arizona should be focused on what works for students: removing barriers, strengthening student support, improving educational attainment and making sure every student has a pathway to postsecondary education, training and a high-demand careers.
Don’t Forget! Props in the 400s, Including Your Local Bond and Override Questions
Statewide propositions get a lot of attention, but some of the most important education decisions on your ballot may be found in the 400s or appear as “Question 1 / Question 2” for your local school district, which include school bonds and budget overrides.
These local decisions have a direct impact on the schools, students and communities you call home. Arizona’s public schools are chronically underfunded. Local bonds and overrides can give communities an opportunity to invest directly in their schools and help provide the resources students need to succeed.
What is a school bond?
School bonds generally provide funding for long-term capital needs, such as school construction, renovations, safety improvements, technology, buses or major building repairs. They’ve also been proven to support higher local residential property values.
These investments benefit the entire community. Good schools help attract families and businesses, strengthen neighborhoods and prepare the workforce Arizona needs.
What is a budget override?
Overrides can help schools maintain programs and services that communities value; including teacher salaries, funding of full-day kindergarten, classroom programs to support students like tutoring, extracurricular activities like athletics and music as well as other student supports. They’ve also been proven to support higher local residential property values.
Before you vote, take a few minutes to understand what your local school district is asking for, what the money will be used for and how the measure will affect your community. Then please vote yes!
Bottom Line: Supporting a local school funding measure, like bonds and overrides, is not simply about supporting a school; it is an investment in the community we all share.
A Gila County Education Alert!
Gila County voters: Your ballot also includes Proposition 425 for Gila Community College.
Education Forward Arizona supports adjusting the college’s expenditure limit so Gila Community College can continue to grow and meet the education and workforce needs of its community. Adjusting this formula will allow the College to spend the money already allocated to them, but is currently being held up by an outdated funding formula. This proposition does not raise taxes for Gila county residents.
Community colleges play a critical role in preparing students and adults for high-demand careers, strengthening local businesses and building Arizona’s homegrown workforce.
For Gila County voters: Education Forward Arizona recommends a YES on Proposition 425.
Education Is on Your Ballot
Your vote can shape the future of Arizona’s students, schools, colleges and workforce.
Arizona’s future depends on an education system that gives every student the opportunity to succeed. That requires adequate funding, responsible accountability, strong student supports, excellent educators and local communities empowered to meet their students’ needs.
Education Forward Arizona encourages voters to look beyond the ballot title, understand what each measure would actually do, and vote with Arizona’s students and future workforce in mind.