Public School Holiday Program Fees Stir Controversy as District Doubles Superintendent Bonus Potential
Upset parents question ticket fees for their children's holiday program as the district raises its superintendent’s performance bonus potential, sparking concerns about budget priorities.
As the crisp desert air finally hints at winter, Arizona classrooms buzz with a mix of excitement and impatience. The holidays are just around the corner, and students across the state count down the days until the sweet taste of freedom—winter break. But before the doors of classrooms close for the year, one tradition remains steadfast: holiday programs.
Westar Elementary School Facebook
In the West Valley, however, one annual celebration came with a twist. The Westar Elementary Christmas Program was a ticketed event for entry. At $5 a seat, families who wanted to see their children perform say they had to shell out for the chance. And for some, even the cost didn’t guarantee a comfortable view.
We’re told the gymnasium, transformed into a makeshift theater, packed to capacity with parents, siblings, and extended families. Rows of folding chairs filled quickly, leaving latecomers scrambling to find a perch. Some say they stood at the back, while others resigned themselves to sitting on the gym floor, all for a glimpse of their little stars.
The school says attendance was not mandatory for either parent or student. And students were not charged to participate in the recital. In accordance with Arizona Constitution, Article 11, Section 6, state educational institutions must remain open to all and provide instruction that is as free as possible.
Westar Elementary Principal Hamburgh tells State 48 News, “All the proceeds from yesterday evening's performance are going to support our fine arts spring program; which is Willy Wonka this year. No funds are being used to pay staff; they are being used towards costumes, sets, etc. This program will be held in the spring of 2025 at Westar.”
While some parents were unbothered by the fee, others raised concerns about why they had to pay to watch their students perform. This ticketed event follows a recent decision at the last governing board meeting, where the board voted 3-2 to amend the Superintendent's contract, increasing performance pay allowance from 10% to a maximum of 20% of his annual base salary, in accordance with state law.
December 2, 2024 | Liberty Elementary School District
District records show the superintendent’s base pay in the Liberty Elementary School Disrict is $188,700.
According to ZipRecruiter, “As of Dec 6, 2024, the average annual pay for a School Superintendent in Arizona is $94,052 a year.”
According to Salary.com, the average School Superintendent salary in Phoenix, AZ base pay is $178,750.
THE MORE YOU KNOW
How do school board calculate superintendent performance bonuses?
In the State of Arizona, A.R.S. § 15-341(39) provides for performance pay not to exceed 20% of the annual base salary.
We found the text of House Bill 2521 - from the year 2010. Nearly 15 years ago.
Superintendent contracts must allocate up to 20% of their annual salary as performance pay, without mandating an increase in total compensation. Unless an alternative method is approved in a public meeting, performance pay is based on:
Academic Performance (25%): Evaluated by comparing student academic growth to the top 50 largest districts in the state, as determined by the Department of Education.
Parent Satisfaction (25%): Based on the percentage of parents rating the district as "A" on an anonymous, independently administered survey.
Teacher Satisfaction (25%): Based on the percentage of teachers rating the district as "A" on an anonymous, independently administered survey.
Board-Selected Criteria (25%): Determined by other metrics chosen by the governing board.