Proposition 123 narrowly passed in May, devoting $3.5 billion from the general and state land trust fund toward schools over ten years. A new survey shows where the first payment of that money went.
Arizona School Boards Association asked 83 districts across the state how Proposition 123 funds were used for fiscal year 2016 and how they’ll be used for next year.
Between classroom spending and salaries, the results show a majority of the school districts spent the first installment on teacher or staff bonuses. And next year, 75 percent of schools put more funds toward salaries and helping cover the cost of benefits.
Still others said some of the money went to supplies, textbooks, building maintenance and repair.
