YUMA, Ariz- Prop 123 which taps the state land trust to fund more than half of $3.5 billion in new school spending over 10 years got approved.
After additional ballots were counted in Maricopa County, the lead for yes on Prop 123 statewide doubled to a margin of 16,000 votes.
James Sheldahl, Associate Superintendent said, “We’re very grateful to the voters of Yuma and the state of Arizona for passing proposition 123. And we’re excited to see what prospects it brings to our district.”
Sheldahl adds, “We’re excited to say that on Monday there will be a special school board meeting for the high school district. The board is going to be asked to approve a 5% increase for all the benefited employees for the 16-17 school year.”
They’re also going to be asked to approve an additional 1 time, thousand dollar payment to all benefited employees.
“All of our benefited employees who are returning for next year will be receiving a 5 percent pay increase as well as a 1,000 dollar one time payment pending board approval on Monday” Sheldahl said.
He said he’s been in Yuma for 25 years and has never seen a five percent increase. However, there’s still a shortage of teachers and they’re looking to fill those positions in before the upcoming school year.
He adds, “We’re still hiring for teachers. Actually, the last several years we’ve gone without filling up our openings every year. So there’s definitely a teacher shortage out there.”
If you’re interested in a teaching position he suggests you visit their web page.
“They can get on the Yuma Union website and they can apply for jobs right there. See what jobs are vacant and fill our an application right there on the website” Sheldahl adds.