Remember the pop-culture definition of insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result? This fits like a hand to glove when we contrast the Prop 428 campaign against Peoria Unified School District’s (PUSD) failed leadership, increased cases of adult sexual misconduct and dismal academic performance.
Peoria voters should understand that Prop 428 is not a new tax—it’s a continuation of the 13% maintenance and operations (M&O) override that’s been in place since the mid-90s. When voters rejected the M&O during the 2025 special election, it sparked panic among administrators (a.k.a. the 6-figure mafia) and teachers’ union members (a.k.a. union thugs). Educators—including those who stay silent when unethical and immoral conduct occurs on campus—are suddenly very vocal about Prop 428.
When I reviewed the fiscal 2024-25 State Superintendent Annual Report, I discovered that PUSD’s local, county and state M&O total revenue was nearly $290 million. Am I the only one who wants to know exactly how, when and where that money was spent in two years?
I emailed the school board and the Deputy Superintendent of Business Operations, Marcie Rodriguez, to request a presentation clarifying the district’s spending patterns. I also asked for confirmation on whether interim superintendent Tahlya Visintainer—who also oversees human resources—is still reaping Chief Personnel Officer pay and benefits. This is the position she held until Dr. Ryan LaDouceur was ousted from the interim superintendent role.
One PUSD educator reached out to seek my support for Prop 428. She shared her love for teaching young students and said that since the 2025 override failed, her school’s financial shortfalls sometimes forced staff members to choose between purchasing toilet paper or copy paper. She said she also solicited donations from relatives and community members when she couldn’t purchase the items directly.
I did my due diligence of making a public comment and requesting a resolution for every teacher in this predicament. I also included it in my email to the board and Rodriguez, letting them know it’s entirely unacceptable for any high-level employees to receive perks, bonuses or special allowances when the most important people in the district (namely students) don’t have access to daily essentials.
I will post an update once I have answers to these questions.
I don’t believe the teacher who reached out to me was a union thug with a sob story. Union members are typically the bullying type. Their tears are false and their demands are tough. Teachers’ unions don’t exist to enhance students’ learning experience—they don’t even exist for teachers! Most members I know are activists who serve as the school district’s militant arm. They await deployment, coming out in ranks whenever the community needs to be manipulated or intimidated into silence.
Case in point: Peoria Education Association president Devon Moseler—who’s registered as a Republican 🤣 (ask LD28 “leaders” about that)—guards the podium at every PUSD board meeting. Also, when former PEA president Trina Berg makes a public comment, her requests and suggestions usually top the agenda at the next board meeting…But who knows, this could all be a coincidence, right?
As of publication, PUSD received its third notice of claim. Similar to the two students who filed a complaint against the district in the Centennial High School situation, this alleged victim has also claimed that the district was grossly negligent in the case involving former Peoria High School basketball coach Patrick Battillo (a.k.a. “Mr. ORNG”). ABC 15 News reported that Battillo was convicted of attempted exploitation of a minor and sentenced to three and half years in April.
For those unaware, PUSD has been served with four legal notices in one year—all of them accusing the district of negligence and failing to protect students from employee sexual misconduct. The two from Centennial HS students and one from a Peoria HS student are requesting a combined settlement total of $27,650,000, as of October 9. No amount has been disclosed in the case of former Sun Valley Elementary students who were abused by former teacher Ricky Ordway. Meanwhile, the district’s Prop 428 is an estimated $33,000,000 ask with an expiration date of seven years.
Since M&O funds are less regulated in terms of how the dollars are spent, is it not possible for the district to campaign on promises of improved arts, athletics and special needs programs but then reallocate those funds to cover expenses associated with pending lawsuits? Someone who knows how these things work should reach out to me. I think PUSD is luring voters into a bait and switch, and the teachers who support Prop 428 probably won’t see more than a few dimes if the ballot measure is approved.
On the contrary, when voters pass Prop 320, they’re removing some of the administrative controls that have led to financial mismanagement and corruption in many public schools. This statewide ballot measure requires districts with over 7,500 students, or counties with more than 500,000 residents, to allocate 60% of its operation budget to classrooms and teachers. In this case, the auditor general determines what meets the threshold or definition of “direct instructional expenses.” This is why organizations like the Arizona School Board Association (ASBA) and Save Our Schools Arizona (SOS) oppose Prop 320. They want to maintain the status quo and stick taxpayers with the bill.
Nevertheless, Peoria taxpayers don’t owe the district anything. If one or two failed overrides can cause everything to fall apart after 20 years of guaranteed 13% approval, then there’s a bigger problem that more money won’t fix. Students are falling through the cracks, school sites are lacking basic necessities, alleged predators and failed mandated reporters are thriving after leaving the district. It appears the only way to hold PUSD accountable is to let Prop 428 fail. At least with Prop 320, we have some assurance that site funds will go towards education…hopefully.
With enrollment declining in PUSD, staff reductions and school closures are expected. This is what competition looks like in a state with a robust school choice movement. When we add up multiple cases of alleged adult sexual misconduct, anti-ICE protests, and a majority of students graduating without basic life skills, it’s clear why parents are exploring other options. A loss of market share in government education is net positive for the state and the nation at large. Parents are stepping up to do what God called them to do (Proverbs 22:6).
All this to simply say, Prop 320 makes sense but passing Prop 428 is insane.
Remember, elections have consequences.