Court rules school bond law unconstitutional

March 01, 2013

The Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled a 2010 state law allowing school districts to spend unused bond money without asking voters is unconstitutional. 
The unanimous decision by a three-judge panel Thursday is a win for the Goldwater Institute and a loss for the Cave Creek Unified School District.

The Institute sued the district, which had $13 million left over from a $41 million bond approved in 2000. Under the 2010 law school districts were allowed to spend excess bond money for purposes not authorized by voters.

The Court of Appeals' decision says the Arizona Constitution permits school districts to change uses of bond issue money only with voter permission.

There's no word yet on whether the district will ask the Arizona Supreme Court to review the ruling.