What's this about?
The Balsz Elementary School District is asking voters to continue the current DAA Capital Override to provide funding for curriculum materials, building upgrades, student transportation and classroom technology.
This is NOT a new tax and there will be NO INCREASE in the property tax rate.
Capital Override Priorities:
- Support all district curriculum, including electronic and printed materials
- Preventive maintenance for buildings to keep students safe and healthy
- Purchase pupil transportation vehicles
- Fund the District’s technology program
A “YES” vote shall authorize the Balsz Elementary School District No. 31 Governing Board to adopt a budget which includes an amount for capital purposes that exceeds its district additional assistance budget limit by the lesser of $1,400,000 or 10% of the District’s revenue control limit.
About Our Balsz Schools
The Balsz Elementary School District started in 1888 when Luz Redondo Balsz gathered 11 children for a one-room schoolhouse in east Phoenix. Over the decades, it grew from that small room into a multi-school district serving parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale and now serves approximately 2,000 students. The district feeds into Phoenix Union High School District.
What is the Balsz District Additional Assistance (DAA)?
In Arizona, District Additional Assistance (DAA) also known as Capital Override, is a type of funding that allows school districts to levy a tax for capital items not covered by their regular budget or bond programs.
This assistance is granted through an override election and is limited to a certain amount as calculated by the state.
The Balsz Elementary School District governing board called for an override election, and if approved by voters, the district can then levy a tax to generate the necessary funds.
Is this a new tax?
No. Voters are being asked to continue the current Capital Override that was approved in 2020.
What can Balsz DAA funding be used for?
DAA is a financial mechanism for school districts to raise additional funds for specific, non-recurring capital expenses.
Examples of items include that could be purchased with these funds are student desks, chairs, filing cabinets, library books, student tables, learning areas in the library, innovation rooms, athletic equipment, uniforms, sports equipment, musical instruments, choral risers, lighting, sound system repairs to auditoriums, gyms, and stadiums, playground equipment, shade structures, outdoor learning centers, STEM resources, science kits, instructional software, laptop refresh and interactive displays.
How is a DAA different than a school bond or M&O budget override?
Bonds are used primarily for buildings and buses. Maintenance and Operations (M&O) funds pay for salaries, benefits, utilities, supplies, and services.
- Reduce Class Size
- Maintain Course Offerings
- Maintain Athletic Programs
- Maintain Co-curricular Programs
- Maintain Student Support Services
How much is the Balsz DAA and what will it cost taxpayers?
Balsz Elementary School District seeks authorization to exceed its district additional assistance budget by the lesser of $1,400,000 or 10% of its revenue control limit for a period of not to exceed seven (7) years.
The estimated first year tax rate for the proposed district additional assistance budget override is $1.34 per one hundred dollars of net assessed valuation used for secondary property tax purposes.
As mayor, and a mom to a young student, I see a YES vote as a critical step in ensuring the success our future leaders. They deserve our continued support!
Kate Gallego
Mayor of Phoenix