As the expiration date for Prop 123 draws closer, a new ballot measure has been introduced in Arizona that aims to address the state’s growing teacher shortage.

Prop 123, which has been a major source of funding for public schools in Arizona, is set to expire at the end of June this year. While Republican and Democratic leaders agree that the funding extension is necessary, they differ on how the money should be allocated in the future.

What Is Prop 123?

Prop 123 was passed by voters in 2016, and it provided additional funds to public schools by increasing the amount of money distributed from the State Land Trust Fund. This funding boost was crucial for schools that had been struggling with insufficient budgets. However, this measure is set to expire soon, and there is no clear plan yet on how to extend it or what will happen once it does.

The Push for Teacher Pay Increases

In response to the ongoing teacher shortage and declining teacher retention, Republican leaders in Arizona have proposed a ballot measure that would direct additional funds from Prop 123 toward increasing teacher base pay.

Republican State Senator J.D. Mesnard and Republican State Representative Matt Gress introduced the measure, arguing that the increase in teacher pay could help resolve the teacher shortage crisis in Arizona.

“We know that teacher shortages, that teachers are leaving the profession. There’s definitely a crisis, and we think this could be an excellent tool to help with that crisis if it’s done right,” said Senator Mesnard. He emphasized that increasing teacher pay would be a key part of addressing the challenges faced by Arizona’s education system.

The ballot measure aims to target the money directly at eligible teachers, hoping to provide them with a more competitive salary that could encourage teachers to remain in the profession and attract new talent. This idea has gained support among Republicans, who see it as a necessary step to combat the challenges faced by educators in the state.

Democratic Concerns About the Measure

While there is support for the ballot measure from Republicans, Arizona Democrats have raised concerns about its scope. Arizona House Democratic Leader Rep. Oscar De Los Santos emphasized that the funding should not only go to teachers but to all school staff who contribute to the education system. He argued that everyone in the school system deserves fair compensation, not just teachers.

“I am 100% in support of pay increases for teachers. But I didn’t do my job alone. There were so many people in the school that also deserve to be compensated fairly,” said De Los Santos. He further stated that the ballot measure should ensure that all employees working in schools, such as nurses, counselors, and support staff, also receive pay increases. He believes that teacher pay increases alone will not be enough to address the wider issues within Arizona’s education system.

The Potential Impact of Prop 123’s Expiration

If Prop 123 expires without an extension, it could create a significant funding gap for Arizona’s schools. Senator Mesnard has stated that if the measure expires, lawmakers will ensure that the General Fund is used to backfill the gap temporarily, while they continue working on a long-term solution.

“We want to get it right. If it takes a little bit more time, the important thing for us is to do this the right way,” said Mesnard. This statement highlights the importance of a well-thought-out plan that balances the immediate need for funding with long-term goals for education in the state.

Next Steps for the Ballot Measure

The ballot measure introduced by Mesnard and Gress had its first reading in the Arizona Senate on Thursday. While it’s still early in the process, the measure is likely to receive significant debate and scrutiny from both political parties.

Arizona families and educators are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this proposal, as it could have a major impact on the state’s educational future. If the measure passes, it could provide a much-needed boost to teacher pay, improving retention rates and making the teaching profession more attractive to newcomers. However, the debate over how to best allocate resources to improve education in Arizona is far from over.

Looking Ahead: A Critical Decision for Arizona’s Education System

As discussions continue about Prop 123’s extension and the teacher pay ballot measure, Arizona’s educators and families are facing an uncertain future. The outcome of this decision will shape the state’s education system for years to come, determining how well Arizona can support its teachers and, by extension, its students.

For now, Arizonans will have to wait and see how lawmakers address the challenges of funding public education, improving teacher compensation, and ensuring a stable future for Arizona’s schools.