Arizona's Proposition 320 on the 2026 ballot would require certain school districts to spend at least 60% of their budgets on direct instructional expenses. Proponents argue it ensures taxpayer dollars reach the classroom, while critics contend it limits administrative flexibility and could hurt districts with unique needs such as facilities or transportation.
Should Arizona require school districts to spend at least 60% of their budgets on direct instructional expenses?
How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue
No quiz question covers this exact issue — showing responses to the closest one, Higher Education.
30% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).
Liberal34%
Lean liberal19%
Moderate26%
Lean conservative7%
Conservative14%
Where do you stand?
Should Arizona require school districts to spend at least 60% of their budgets on direct instructional expenses?
Proposition 320: Require certain school districts to spend at least 60% of their budget on direct instructional expenses
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
No — spending mandates undermine local control; districts should decide how to allocate their own budgets.
No — a rigid 60% floor ignores legitimate non-instructional needs like facilities, transportation, and counseling.
Set a lower instructional spending floor, such as 50%, to promote accountability without over-constraining districts.
Yes — require at least 60% of district budgets to go directly to classroom instruction.
Yes — set an even higher instructional spending mandate and enforce strict penalties for non-compliance.
Education funding and performance
Education is a top-tier issue for Arizona voters in 2026, with 56% dissatisfied with federal leadership on the subject. Arizona has historically ranked near the bottom nationally in per-pupil spending, and debates over school choice, teacher pay, and district accountability are central to multiple statewide races and ballot initiatives.
How should Arizona approach education funding and school accountability?
How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue
No quiz question covers this exact issue — showing responses to the closest one, Higher Education.
30% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).
Liberal34%
Lean liberal19%
Moderate26%
Lean conservative7%
Conservative14%
Where do you stand?
How should Arizona approach education funding and school accountability?
From affordability and housing to water, immigration, and education, the findings provide a framework.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
Significantly increase public school funding, raise teacher pay, and eliminate voucher programs that divert funds.
Invest more in public schools and limit school vouchers to ensure equitable funding across all districts.
Increase base funding for public schools while allowing limited school choice programs to continue.
Expand school choice vouchers and charter schools to give families more options and drive competition.
Fully privatize education through universal vouchers, allowing parents to direct all education dollars.
K-12 education priorities
Education is a top voter concern in Arizona, with dissatisfaction over performance and multiple 2026 ballot and candidate debates focused on school districts, instructional spending, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction races.
How should Arizona improve K-12 education outcomes and funding use?
How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue
No quiz question covers this exact issue — showing responses to the closest one, Higher Education.
30% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).
Liberal34%
Lean liberal19%
Moderate26%
Lean conservative7%
Conservative14%
Where do you stand?
How should Arizona improve K-12 education outcomes and funding use?
Ballot Initiative (School Districts) | TBD | Superintendent of Public Instruction
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
Significantly increase state funding, reduce testing, and expand support services and teacher pay statewide
Boost funding targeted at instructional quality, teacher retention, and high-need districts
Hold steady on overall funding while requiring transparency and evidence-based local improvements
Require higher shares of budgets for classroom instruction and expand parental choice options
Emphasize school choice, curriculum limits, and spending caps over new statewide funding increases
School district instructional spending
A 2026 ballot measure would require certain Arizona school districts to spend at least 60% of their budget on direct instructional expenses. Debates and initiatives around school district governance and spending are scheduled alongside candidate races.
Should Arizona require school districts to spend at least 60% of budgets on direct instruction?
How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue
No quiz question covers this exact issue — showing responses to the closest one, Higher Education.
30% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).
Liberal34%
Lean liberal19%
Moderate26%
Lean conservative7%
Conservative14%
Where do you stand?
Should Arizona require school districts to spend at least 60% of budgets on direct instruction?