With the passage of Proposition 208 in the General Election, the Arizona Department of Revenue estimates revenues of $940 million annually in new, permanent funding for K-12 public education. As a primary supporter of this education funding initiative, AEA ensured the money will be voter-protected from the legislature and included funding for Education Support Professionals (ESP).
25% for Student Support Services
Twenty-five percent of the revenue from Proposition 208 is earmarked for hiring Student Support Services personnel and increasing base compensation. Student Support Services Personnel is defined as “classified, non-administrative personnel who provide student support services as defined by the school district governing board, including classroom aides, media specialists, health assistants, security personnel, student food services, student transportation and school site plant operations.
12% for Career and Workforce Fund
Proposition 208 sets aside 12 percent for the Arizona Department of Education to establish a grant program to provide services and establish and expand programs to high school students. These grants can be used for:
- Career and technical education programs
- School counselors
- AP courses and academic acceleration program
- Expanding college-level opportunities including AP, IB, dual or co-enrollment programs
- Staff recruitment, licensing, employment and training
- Expansion of tutoring, mentoring, counseling, mental health and wrap-around services
- Implementation of programs to combat chronic absenteeism
