The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is urging voters to support critical school funding measures for Chandler Unified School District and Higley Unified School District on the Nov. 4 ballot. 

Chandler Unified School District 

The CUSD Governing Board has called for a special election asking residents to vote on these two items: 

• Continue the existing 15% Maintenance & Operations override — first approved in 2013 — which funds operational expenses such as teacher and staff salaries, school safety, class sizemaintenanceand specialized instructional programs. Without renewal, the override will phase down after five years, resulting in reduced staffing and program cuts. 
• Approve a $271.5 million bond for capital projects including facility renovations, safety upgrades, student and staff technology, transportation vehicles, classroomequipmentand potential new construction. This funding would address delayed maintenance and replace technology devices issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The estimated first-year tax rate for the override is $1.09 per $100 of assessed valuation — a continuation of the existing rate. The bond’s estimated average tax rate is $0.32 per $100 of assessed valuation. 

“The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce supports a YES vote for both the CUSD override and bond,” said Sarah Watts, president & CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. “The override ensures competitive salaries to retain exceptional educators, and the bond invests in safe, innovative learning environments. A YES vote supports students, strengthens our workforce pipeline and keeps our region economically competitive.” 

Higley Unified School District 

The HUSD Governing Board has placed a 15% M&O override renewal on the ballot, estimated at $13.87 million annually, funded by an estimated tax rate of $1.28 per $100 of assessed valuation — about $11.17 per month for the average homeowner. 

After last year’s failed override, HUSD implemented $5.1 million in cuts for the 2025-2026 school year, eliminating over 80 positions, reducing custodial and administrative staff and removing elementary library aides. If the override fails again, an additional $5 million in cuts will follow in 2026-2027, which could include eliminating programs such as Dual Language Immersion, elementary music and art, reducing electives, increasing class sizes and freezing staff pay. 

“The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages a YES vote for Higley’s override,” Watts said. “Strong schools attract families, support property values, and provide the skilled graduates local businesses depend on. We must protect vital programs, keep class sizes manageable and retain talented teachers.” 

Election details 

Voters will decide on these measures in the Nov. 4, 2025 election. Early voting begins in October. 

“Education is one of the most important investments a community can make,” Watts said. “We urge residents to support these measures—not just for today’s students, but for the long-term economic and civic vitality of our region.” 

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