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A Message from the Superintendent
Hello Falcon Families and Community Members,
In my last Falcon Focus, I introduced the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Override and explained its important role in supporting the day-to-day operations of our schools. This week, I want to take a closer look at the history of our current override and what happens next.
FHUSD’s current 15% M&O Override was approved by our voters in November 2021. Like other M&O overrides in Arizona, it provides our district with funding above the amount we receive through the state’s regular funding formula. This additional funding helps us maintain the staffing, programs, and services that support our students each day.
One important thing to understand is that an override does not remain at the same level indefinitely. The override approved in 2021 is fully funded for its first five years. After that, if voters do not approve continuing, the funding begins phasing down by one-third each year.
That means the upcoming November 2026 election is about continuing the existing M&O Override before that phase-down begins. It is not a request to add a new override on top of what currently exists. It is a continuation of the funding our district has been receiving through the existing override.
So, what does that mean for FHUSD?
The M&O Override is an important part of our overall operating budget. Without it, the district would have fewer resources available to support the people, programs, and services that help our schools operate each day. As a small district, we have to be especially thoughtful about how we use every dollar available to us.
Over the past two years, we have made approximately $2.3 million in budget reductions while working to protect the programs and opportunities that matter most to our students. Those reductions have affected staffing, administration, transportation, and other areas of our operations.
I recognize that school funding can be complicated, and it is important that our community has the opportunity to understand how these pieces fit together. My commitment is to communicate openly, provide factual information, and be a responsible steward of the resources entrusted to our district.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about FHUSD and the M&O Override. I appreciate your continued interest, questions, and partnership as we work together to support our students and plan responsibly for the future of our schools.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at vreichler@fhacademics.org.
Together, We Will.
Val Reichler
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