Understanding FUSD's 2026 Override Propositions: Funding, Property Taxes, and Voting Information
October 20, 2026
Dear FUSD Families and Staff,
On November 3, 2026, voters within Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) will consider two override measures: Proposition 407, a continuation of the district's existing Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Override, and Proposition 409, a proposed new District Additional Assistance (DAA) Override.
While both measures provide funding for FUSD schools, they serve different purposes. Proposition 407 supports staffing and educational programs, while Proposition 409 would fund instructional materials, equipment, and school improvements.
Proposition 407: Continuing Existing Staff and Programs
Proposition 407 would continue FUSD's existing 15% M&O Override, most recently approved by voters in 2022. FUSD has maintained voter-approved M&O override funding continuously since 1996.
The override currently generates approximately $9.7 million annually to support staffing and educational programs, including full-day kindergarten, preschool, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), dual enrollment, gifted education, arts, music, STEM, athletics, and extracurricular activities.
Much of this funding supports employee salaries and benefits, allowing the district to maintain existing staffing and educational opportunities.
If Proposition 407 is not approved, the existing override would remain fully funded through fiscal year 2027–28 before gradually decreasing over the following two years. Funding would be fully phased out by fiscal year 2030–31.
Proposition 409: Funding for School Materials, Equipment, and Improvements
Proposition 409 would establish a new DAA Override, formerly known as a Capital Override, providing approximately $2.5 million annually for seven fiscal years to address capital needs across FUSD schools.
These funds could be used for:
Curriculum materials and textbooks: Purchasing updated instructional resources as curriculum is reviewed and adopted.
Classroom furniture and equipment: Replacing aging desks, tables, chairs, and other school equipment.
Facility repairs and improvements: Addressing eligible minor renovations, flooring, and other facility needs.
Safety and security upgrades: Funding improvements to school safety infrastructure.
School buses and vehicles: Purchasing or replacing vehicles needed for district operations.
Library and technology resources: Updating educational materials, devices, and related equipment.
FUSD's proposed annual spending plan includes $1 million for curriculum materials, $1 million for classroom technology, and $500,000 for facility improvements, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Actual spending may vary.
Unlike the M&O Override, DAA funding cannot be used for employee salaries or general operating expenses.
Why Is Additional Capital Funding Being Considered?
Arizona has historically provided limited funding for school capital needs, leaving school districts to rely on other funding sources for materials, equipment, and facility improvements.
In 2017, a lawsuit was filed challenging whether Arizona's school capital funding system meets constitutional requirements. In August 2025, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled that the state's system did not meet constitutional standards. A final judgment was issued in March 2026. The ruling has been appealed, and the case remains ongoing.
Like many Arizona school districts, FUSD has relied on voter-approved bonds and other available funding sources to address capital needs. However, some investments in curriculum materials, classroom furniture, equipment, and preventative maintenance have been delayed or deferred due to limited funding.
Proposition 409 was placed on the ballot to allow voters to decide whether to establish an additional local funding source specifically for capital purchases and improvements.
How Would the Overrides Affect Property Taxes?
Arizona property taxes are calculated using your property's net assessed limited property value, NOT its market value.
For most residential properties, the assessed value is just 10% of the Limited Property Value (LPV), before any applicable exemptions.
The estimated annual override tax rates are:
Proposition 407: $0.51 per $100 of net assessed value. Multiply your net assessed value by 0.0051.
Proposition 409: $0.13 per $100 of net assessed value. Multiply your net assessed value by 0.0013.
For example, a residential property with an LPV of $300,000 would generally have an assessed value of $30,000. Based on the estimated rates:
Proposition 407: $30,000 × 0.0051 = $153 per year
Proposition 409: $30,000 × 0.0013 = $39 per year
Property owners can find their net assessed value on their property tax statement or through the Coconino County Assessor's Office.
Important: Proposition 407 would continue an existing tax, while Proposition 409 would establish a new tax. FUSD is evaluating reductions to other district tax levies that could help offset the additional cost of Proposition 409. These estimates represent the individual overrides, not a property's total tax bill or necessarily the amount taxes would change.
Important Voting Dates
The November 3 General Election is approaching! Here are a few important dates to remember:
October 23: Last day to request an early ballot by mail.
October 27: Recommended last day to return an early ballot by mail.
October 30: Last day to vote early in person.
November 3: Election Day. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Early ballots can also be returned to official ballot drop boxes throughout Coconino County, including the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N. Fourth St.) and Coconino County Recorder's Office (110 E. Cherry Ave.). All early ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on November 3.
For a complete list of ballot drop boxes, voting locations, and other election information, visit the Coconino County Elections website.
Learn More
For additional information about both propositions, including funding details, estimated property tax impacts, FAQs, and the official voter informational pamphlet, visit fusd1.org/override2026.
Thank you for staying informed about FUSD's 2026 override election.
