Education policy and the 2014 election: statewide ballot measures

2014 special reports

Check out Public Policy articles about statewide ballot measures in the following policy areas.

Energy • Education • Elections • Taxes

Education was on the ballot in 14 states on November 4, 2014. A common theme of the 20 proposed measures was the issue of funding for public schools. States have struggled to bring education funding back to pre-recession levels, and several have faced lawsuits for cuts in funding. Many of the initiatives on the ballot proposed new sources of revenue to be allocated to public schools. Several of these passed, although the proposals in Colorado and Nevada were both defeated by wide margins. Colorado's measure would have expanded gaming at horse racetracks in order to finance a fund for local public school districts, and was one of the most heavily debated. The proposal in Nevada would have instituted a 2 percent margin tax on high-earning businesses to provide further funding for public schools.

Another initiative to watch was the Measure 86 in Oregon, the Fund for Post-Secondary Education. Though it was ultimately defeated, if passed, the measure would have made Oregon the first state with a trust fund for college students. The fund would have been used to finance grants for needy students, and would have initially been funded by the issuance of bonds.

One of the closest votes was on the Washington Class Size Reduction Measure, Initiative 1351, with results being split nearly 50/50. The race was initially too close to call, and mail-in ballots were counted for days after the election. The measure was eventually approved, limiting public school class sizes in Washington to no more than 25 students.

Ballot initiatives by state

Alabama

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in Alabama.
Education on the ballot

aThe Alabama Board of Education Expenditure Increase, Amendment 4 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Alabama as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved. The measure "increase[d] the requirement to a two-thirds vote (over 66.66 percent), rather than a simple majority (over 50 percent), of the Alabama Legislature in order to pass a law that would require local boards of education to cumulatively spend over $50,000 in local funds without providing the funds to pay for the increased expense. Separately, Amendment 4 continued to provide that a majority vote would be required for unfunded mandates that address the compensation, benefits, or due process rights of any employee of a board of education.

The proposed amendment was sponsored in the Alabama Legislature by State Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R-25) as Senate Bill 7. Every legislator voted in favor of putting this measure before voters.

Colorado

dA Colorado Horse Racetrack Limited Gaming Proceeds for K-12 Education, Amendment 68 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Colorado as an initiated constitutional amendment, where it was defeated. The measure would have established a kindergarten through twelfth grade education fund to provide additional revenue to address local educational needs. The fund would have been financed through additional revenues generated by the expansion of limited gaming at horse racetracks in the counties of Arapahoe, Mesa and Pueblo. The allowed gaming would at least include slot machines, card games, roulette and craps.

If it had been approved, the measure would have amended Article XVIII of the Colorado Constitution by adding a new section to it.

aA Colorado School Board Open Meetings Initiative, Proposition 104 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Colorado as an initiated state statute, where it was approved. The measure was designed to require meetings of the members of a board of education of a school district during which collective bargaining negotiations or employment contract negotiations take place to be meetings open to the public.

Georgia

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in Georgia.
Education on the ballot

aThe Georgia Private College Buildings Tax Exemption, Referendum 1 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Georgia as a legislatively referred state statute, where it was approved. The measure was designed to extend a "public property" ad valorem tax exemption to privately held and operated student dormitories and parking decks that are obliged by contract to serve universities within the University of Georgia system.

The statute was part of a larger legislative package related to the privatization of student dormitories. The package, taken together, would lease dormitories to private firms who would collect revenues from operating the dorms. The package would leave some control of student dorm boarding prices to administrators. The leasing companies would take on any existing debt on leased properties and have the option of building new dormitories. Leases would last from 30 to 65 years, and many would include a renewal option. Private companies would bid on contracts and be selected following the referendum's approval.

Hawaii

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in Hawaii.
Education on the ballot

dThe Hawaii State Funding for Private Early Childhood Education Programs, Amendment 4 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Hawaii as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was defeated. The measure would have allowed the state to spend public funds for the “support or benefit” of private early childhood education programs.

Amendment 4’s supporters and opponents both called for an expansion of preschool education. Proponents thought the best route was to allocate public funds to private schools, whereas opponents believed the state should establish fully funded preschool through the public education system.

The Hawaiian word “keiki,” which translates to “child,” is often used in place of “child” when speaking English. Both the campaigns in support and against the amendment used the word.

The amendment was sponsored in the Hawaii Legislature by State Senator Donna Mercado Kim (D-14) as Senate Bill 1084.

In Hawaii, an amendment must win not just a majority of all votes cast on that particular proposal, but a majority of the vote of everyone voting in that election. This is known as a double majority.

Illinois

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in Illinois.
Education on the ballot

aThe Illinois Millionaire Tax Increase for Education Question was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Illinois as an advisory question, where it was approved. The measure asked voters whether they support increasing the tax on incomes greater than one million dollars by three percent for the purpose of providing additional revenue to school districts based on their number of students.

The advisory question was introduced into the Illinois Legislature by Rep. Michael J. Madigan (D-22) as House Bill 3816.

Missouri

dA Missouri Teacher Performance Evaluation, Amendment 3 was on the November 4, 2014 election ballot in the state of Missouri as an initiated constitutional amendment, where it was defeated. This measure would have implemented teacher performance evaluations that would have been used to determine whether a teacher should be dismissed, retained, demoted or promoted. It would have also prevented teachers from collectively bargaining over the terms of these evaluations.

The measure would have added six subsections to Section 3 of Article IX of the Missouri Constitution.

Nevada

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in Nevada.
Education on the ballot

dThe Nevada Margin Tax for Public Schools Initiative, Question 3 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in the state of Nevada as an indirect initiated state statute, where it was defeated. The measure would have institute a two percent margin tax on businesses operating in Nevada that make more than $1 million. Revenue from the tax would have been allocated to public schools, from kindergarten through high school, and kept in the State Distributive School Account.

The two percent taxed margin could have been determined using two different methods:

1. Taxation of 70% of total revenue of the business.
2. Taxation of a business’ total revenue minus compensation to owners and employers or cost related to goods sold. A business would choose whether to subtract compensation or cost of goods, but not both.

The measure would also have temporarily increased the two percent modified business tax on financial institutions to 2.29 percent or 2.42 percent. Revenue would have been used to pay for the administration of the margin tax.

The margin tax would have started to accrue on January 1, 2015.

The initiative was filed by the Nevada AFL-CIO, led by Executive Secretary Treasurer Danny Thompson, and the Nevada State Education Association (NSEA). However, on May 2, 2014, the AFL-CIO passed a resolution to officially oppose the measure. It was still supported by the Nevada State Education Association.Supporters call the measure The Education Initiative. Opponents called the measure The Margin Tax Initiative.

New Mexico

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in New Mexico.
Education on the ballot

aThe New Mexico Capital Expenditures for Higher, Tribal and Special Education, Bond Question C was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in New Mexico as a legislatively referred bond question, where it was approved. The measure authorized the issuance and sale of $141 million in general obligation bonds to make capital expenditures for certain higher education, special schools and tribal school improvements and acquisitions.

Bond Question C was sponsored in the New Mexico Legislature by Sen. Carlos Cisneros (D-6) as Senate Bill 53.

dThe New Mexico Dates for School Elections, Amendment 1 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in New Mexico as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment where it was defeated. The measure, upon voter approval, would have removed the mandate that school elections be held on different dates than any other elections. However, the amendment would have replaced the mandate with a less restrictive one. School elections would need to be held on different dates than partisan elections. Therefore, the measure would have allowed school elections to happen on the same dates as other nonpartisan elections, such as municipal elections, bond elections, conservancy district elections and other special district elections.

The proposed amendment was sponsored in the New Mexico Legislature by Rep. James E. Smith (R-22) and Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto (D-15) as House Joint Resolution 2.

aThe New Mexico Student on Board of Regents, Amendment 2 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in New Mexico as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment and was approved. The measure adds Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) to the list of state educational institutions that are required to have a member of the student body on the board of regents.

The amendment allows the next vacant position on NNMC's board of regents to be filled by a NNMC student. The student will be selected by NNMC's president and appointed by the governor to serve a two-year term. The NNMC president will be required to give "due consideration" to the recommendations of the school's student body president.

The proposed amendment was sponsored in the New Mexico Legislature by Sen. Richard Martinez (D-5) as Senate Joint Resolution 7.

New York

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in New York.
Education on the ballot

aThe New York Bonds for School Technology Act, Proposal 3 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in New York as a legislatively referred bond question, where it was approved. The measure will authorize the state comptroller to issue and sell bonds up to the amount of $2 billion. The revenue received from the sale of such bonds will be used for projects related to the following:

• Purchasing educational technology equipment and facilities, such as interactive whiteboards, computer servers, desktop and laptop computers, tablets and high-speed broadband or wireless internet.
• Constructing and modernizing facilities to accommodate pre-kindergarten programs and replacing classroom trailers with permanent instructional space.
• Installing high-tech security features in school buildings.

Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) proposed the measure in his 2014 State of the State Address.

On April 17, 2014, Gov. Cuomo announced a Smart Schools Commission designed to explore how to invest the two billion dollar bond in school technology upgrades. The commission is composed of three individuals: Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google, Geoffrey Canada, President and CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone, and Constance Evelyn, Superintendent of the Auburn School District.

North Dakota

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in North Dakota.
Education on the ballot

dThe North Dakota Commission of Higher Education Amendment, Measure 3 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in the state of North Dakota as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was defeated. The measure, upon voter approval, would have eliminated the part-time, eight-member board of higher education and chancellor's office and, in lieu, created an appointed, full-time and paid three-member commission of higher education to oversee and administer all public higher education in the state.

The three-member commission would have been appointed by the North Dakota Governor, and each member would have served a four-year term. The governor's appointments would have come from a list of nominees agreed upon by the Speaker of the House, President Pro Tem of the Senate, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and an education interest group representative selected by at least three of the four aforementioned individuals.

The North Dakota Governor would have been required to appoint at least one commissioner with leadership experience in a private sector business, industry, or service, and at least one commissioner holding a professional position within the higher education sector.

The amendment was introduced into the North Dakota Legislature as House Concurrent Resolution 3047.

dThe North Dakota School Year Begins After Labor Day Initiative, Measure 8 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in North Dakota as an initiated state statute, where it was defeated. The measure, upon voter approval, would have mandated that public school classes begin after Labor Day.

Without Measure 8, law allowed each school district in the state to be free to design their respective school calendar, including the academic year’s starting date.

Minnesota, Michigan and Virginia were the only states that required school classes to begin after Labor Day as of November 2014.

Oregon

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in Oregon.
Education on the ballot

dThe Oregon Funding for Post-Secondary Education, Measure 86 was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Oregon as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was defeated. The measure would have created a fund for Oregonians pursuing post-secondary education and authorized the financing of this fund via debt.

Supporters called the measure the "Oregon Opportunity Initiative." It was submitted to the legislature at the request of Treasurer Ted Wheeler (D), where it was known as Senate Joint Resolution 1. The measure would have amended the state constitution to create a new article: Article XI-R.

The Oregon Hiring of State Judges by National Guard and State Universities, Measure 87, was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in Oregon as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved. The measure allows state judges to be employed by the National Guard and state public universities as teachers, and allows school employees to serve in the state legislature.

The measure was primarily sponsored by Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D-4) in the Oregon State Senate, where it was known as Senate Joint Resolution 203. Its approval amends Section 8 of Article XV of the Oregon Constitution. Open States,, "Oregon 2014 Regular Session SJR 203," accessed May 30, 2014</ref>

Rhode Island

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in Rhode Island.
Education on the ballot

aThe Rhode Island Higher Education Facilities Bonds Question was on the November 4, 2014 election ballot in Rhode Island as a bond issue, where it was approved. The measure will permit the issuance of up to $125 million in bonds to construct a new College of Engineering building and undertake supporting renovations.

Washington

aThe Washington Class Size Reduction Measure, Initiative 1351 is on the November 4, 2014 statewide ballot in Washington as an Initiative to the People.

If approved by voters, the measure would require fewer students per classroom in grades K-12. For kindergarten through third grade, each class would have no more than 15 to 17 students. In grades 4 through 12, each class would have no more than 22 to 25 students. Implementing these size restrictions would require the hiring of approximately 15,000 new teachers.

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in Washington.
Education on the ballot

The measure would also:

“

Require funding allocated in the 2015-2017 biennium to be no less than 50 percent of the difference between funding as of September 1, 2013, and the funding necessary to support the new statutory class size and staffing allocations Require full funding of the new statutory class size and staffing allocations by the end of the 2017-2019 biennium Limit state funding for the new prototypical class sizes to funding that is proportionate to a school district's demonstrated actual average class size Permit school districts that demonstrate capital facility needs that prevent class size reductions to use class size reduction funding for school-based personnel who provided direct services to students (quote)

”

If approved, the measure would be phased in over the course of four years. The changes would be applied first at high poverty schools, defined as schools with 50 percent of students receiving free or reduced cost lunches.

Wyoming

Education policy
Click here to learn more about education policy in Wyoming.
Education on the ballot

dThe Wyoming Nonresidential Trustees, Constitutional Amendment A was on the November 4, 2014 ballot in the state of Wyoming as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was defeated. The measure would have allowed the governor to appoint non-Wyoming citizens to serve as University of Wyoming trustees. Only 20 percent of the trustee positions, however, would have been allowed to be filled by out-of-state citizens.

The amendment was sponsored in the Wyoming Legislature by Senate President Tony Ross (R-4) as Senate Joint Resolution 1.

In Wyoming, an amendment requires a majority approval of all those voting in the general election. Therefore, a non-vote on the amendment essentially counts as a no vote.

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term "Education + election"

Education Election News Feed

See also

• Public education in the United States
• Education policy in the United States
• Education on the ballot