What does Prop 320 do? 

Prop 320 will require school districts to spend 60% of their operating budget on “direct instructional expenses,” a term defined by the Auditor General. Each year, districts will need to reallocate funds from other areas of their budget because this measure does not provide funding to meet the 60% standard. 

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What is considered direct instruction? What is left out? 

Direct instruction includes classroom spending like teacher pay, substitute teachers, and curriculum, but it leaves out other areas also considered classroom spending like special education, literacy coaches, and nurses. Other areas are also excluded from direct instruction like school safety, school meals, HVAC repairs, and transportation. 

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Who is affected by this measure? 

All school districts located in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties as well as districts with 7,500 or more students. Rural districts located in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties are not exempt from this requirement. 

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Does Prop 320 guarantee teachers a raise? 

No, there is no language in this measure that promises a raise in teacher salaries.  

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What happens if a district does not meet the yearly increase? 

The districts Classroom Site Fund, which accounts for 20% of a teachers salary, would be cut by 25% each year that it is not met. 

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Does Prop. 320 apply to publicly-funded charter and private schools? 

No, this measure only applies to district schools.