Officials from Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler Unified School District are warning residents that a proposed state ballot measure could force multi-million-dollar reallocations and severe staffing cuts. Proposition 320, which goes before voters on Nov. 3, would require most public school districts in Arizona to direct at least 60% of their operational expenditures toward direct instructional expenses, without offering any additional state funding.
In separate public meetings last week, district administrators and governing board members detailed the financial strain the measure would impose. Higley Unified School District is also expected to feel the effects of the initiative, though its board did not host a formal discussion on the matter during recent meetings.
Under Proposition 320, the definition of direct instructional expenses is determined by the Arizona Auditor General. The office currently classifies instruction as spending on classroom teachers, substitute teachers, teachers' aides, graders, guest lecturers, basic instructional supplies, field trips, athletics, cocurricular programs, and tuition. However, broader support services—including student counselors, social workers, academic specialists, security personnel, technology services, and custodial staff—do not fall under that specific instructional label.
Financial data from the 2024-25 fiscal year shows that Gilbert Public Schools currently spends 57.6% of its operational budget on direct instruction, while Chandler Unified allocates 55.2%. In a statement provided to a local news report, Chandler Unified officials noted that bringing their current spending structure into compliance would require closing an estimated $26 million gap between existing spending categories and the proposed 60% threshold. When including broader classroom support, CUSD reports spending 69.1% of its operational dollars in the classroom, while Gilbert Public Schools reports placing 72.1% of its funds into overall classroom operations.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Crystal Zachary explained that while the proposal sets no final deadline to hit the target, districts must demonstrate progress by moving at least .5% toward the goal each year. Districts would only be allowed to request two waivers over a 10-year period. Failing to meet the mandated benchmarks would trigger an automatic 25% annual reduction in site fund allocations, which directly supply revenue for teacher salaries.
During board proceedings, Gilbert Public Schools officials highlighted critical operational costs that could be jeopardized. Chief Operations Officer Albert Dutchover noted that the district spent over $400,000 in 2025-26 to complete mandatory safety inspections and correct infrastructure deficiencies to remain compliant with building codes. Chief Technology Officer Jon Castelhano explained that the district's technology team maintains over 46,000 devices across campuses, emphasizing that campus security systems and cybersecurity measures rely heavily on network infrastructure that does not qualify as direct instruction.
Gilbert Public Schools Board President Chad Thompson and board member Jill Humpherys voiced concerns regarding community standards and safety, noting that shifting funds away from nursing, facility maintenance, and security would degrade school environments. Board member Blake Robison questioned why charter schools, which also receive public funding, are exempt from the requirement.
Chandler Unified officials highlighted logistical hurdles, particularly transportation services that carry 12,000 students daily across 80 square miles. Chandler Unified Governing Board member Kurt Rohrs criticized the measure, created by Phoenix Republican Rep. Matt Gress, predicting that fixed overhead costs combined with declining enrollment would make compliance nearly impossible. CUSD Superintendent Dr. Anna Battle noted that the Auditor General has not yet finalized all instructional support definitions, leaving open the possibility of future adjustments before implementation.