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2020 Election

Hicks: School finance complexity can be good

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School finance in Arizona is complicated. This can be looked at as both good and challenging. First, the complexity allows for targeted funding to occur.

For example, if the state would like to provide more funding for special education students to schools, then a formula or other mechanism is needed to carve that out to ensure only students meeting that criteria generate that specific funding. The more this happens the more complicated it gets, but ultimately it is done that way for a good reason.

The challenging part is that as each legislative session comes and goes the opportunity for complexity grows, and only in rare instances are funding mechanisms cleaned up or simplified. As a result, over time school finance naturally becomes more complex. Also, there are many policymakers that influence what schools can and can’t do. Federal, state, county, city and town government rules, grants, and each school district’s policy direct each organization as to what they can and can’t do with certain funds.

I am proud to say that from a compliance perspective, Dysart Unified School District does an outstanding job. Our audits reflect that we are doing very well with compliance.

Of course there are always ways to improve, but overall our audits get great marks. In addition, Dysart leverages technology in order to implement processes and systems to help us ensure compliance. This allows for less staff and reduces expense that ultimately can be redirected to support student success. 

Evidence of this is in the Arizona Office of Auditor General annual dollars in the classroom report. This year’s report shows that Dysart Unified School District spent 8.7% of operational spending on administration. That is about $200 less per pupil than the state average, or the equivalent of spending about $4,800,000 less on administration district-wide. How can a district operate so lean and still accomplish so much? Dysart Unified School District has a culture of being innovative, and we hire great people and empower our staff to solve problems.

One of the complexities of Arizona school funding is where the money comes from. As the state legislature approves a budget that sets the maximum amount a school district can spend, it also approves where the funding comes from. It is not the districts in Arizona that set the Qualifying Tax Rate for property owners, it is actually the legislature.

This system of educational equalization provides property owners with a minimum property tax that is to be directed to the local school district. This reduces the amount of education funding at the state level. The legislature does allow local districts to override or increase this amount, up to 15% more, if the local community votes to do so. Various types of voter-approved initiatives, different communities, types of school districts and the composition of students and the services required all are variables that create complexity in school funding.

Over the last five years I have witnessed a dramatic increase in the awareness of school finance in Arizona, which is awesome! Not just because taxpayers should have knowledge about how their taxes are being allocated and spent, but because deeper and more meaningful conversations are being had all across the state about school funding.

We have had citizens come to Governing Board meetings to discuss a budget or annual financial report — that is great. I have heard people say for a long time that Arizona needs civic-minded residents that have knowledge about the issues before them, and if they have that information they will make the right decision, and I agree.

I am proud to be the assistant superintendent for business services for the Dysart Unified School District and I am proud to serve our community. The complexities of school finance can be daunting, but each level of complexity was created during a time and for a specific reason.

I have worked with our legislators to try to simplify the funding and I pledge to continue to work towards that goal. In Dysart we continue to take the task of being responsible and transparent with our funds seriously.

Thank you for your time and dedication to our amazing community. 

Editor’s Note: Mr. Hicks is the assistant superintendent for business services for DUSD.