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TAXPAYERS, LOWER YOUR TAXES AND SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS!
 
TAX CREDIT: HOW DOES IT WORK?

A Tax Credit, which is the dollar-for dollar reduction of your tax liability, is better than a tax deduction, which only reduces your taxable income before taxes are computed.

Instead of sending all your state taxes to the State of Arizona, you can make a contribution to a public school. A.R.S. §43-1089.01 allows taxpayers a TAX CREDIT  up to $200.00 for “Single” or “Head of Household” tax filers and up to $400.00 for “Married Couple Filing a Joint Return” when contributing to EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES in public schools. This gives you the opportunity to help your local school. The tax credit is available to all taxpayers, regardless of whether they have children in school. It would be advisable to consult your tax advisor regarding your specific tax status.

What is an EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY?

Extracurricular activity means any optional, non-credit educational or competitive school sponsored activity that supplements the education program of the school. Activities such as sports, visual and performing arts, field trips, outdoor education or character education programs can be funded with tax credit money. Extracurricular activities do not include any events that are recreational, amusement or tourist activities.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
You may select which school and which program you would like to support. The amount of the tax credit you take does not have to be for the total allowance. You can make a difference in our schools with just $50.00, $75.00, or $100.00. In addition, the credit may be split between one or more schools and/or one or more programs. 

HOW CAN I TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TAX CREDIT? UPDATE

Complete the attached form and return to the school of your choice by April 15, 2020 or mail to the District Office prior to April 15, 2020 in order to take it off your State of Arizona taxes at the time you file for 2019. Arizona Tax Credit Donation Form
Create an online payment by going to this link  

It is easy! The District will provide you with a receipt verifying that you have contributed to an eligible extracurricular activity.

For more information contact Wendy Taylor at the District Office, 623-535-6000.

When you provide a check as payment, you authorize the Litchfield Elementary School District (LESD) either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction

TroyGilbert_1

 

On Feb. 4, 2025, the Litchfield Elementary School District #79 Governing Board approved Troy Gilbert Elementary School as the official name for our district’s school #17, set to open in the Fall of 2026.

The school is named in honor of Major Troy Gilbert, a U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot stationed at Luke Air Force Base, who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country on November 27, 2006, during a mission near Baghdad, Iraq.

Now that the name has been approved, LESD79 will begin developing and considering ideas for  the school’s mascot and colors. We look forward to sharing more updates as we prepare for the groundbreaking later this spring and the grand opening of Troy Gilbert Elementary School in Fall 2026!

Troy Gilbert Elementary Updates

Meet Mr. Luke Jankee, School #17 Principal

We are pleased to inform you that the current principal at Verrado Elementary School, Luke Jankee, has been selected to serve as principal to lead our new construction, School #17. Mr. Jankee’s extensive experience and dedication make him an excellent choice for this important role.

Mr. Jankee served as principal of Western Sky Middle School for three years and as the leader of the SuperSTARS at Verrado Elementary School for the past 12 years, where he showcased outstanding leadership and a deep commitment to educational excellence. Throughout his tenure, Luke has fostered a positive and inclusive culture, ensuring the success and well-being of his students and staff.

We are confident that Mr. Jankee’s leadership will be instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for School #17 and guiding its future students to success. His vision for creating a supportive and enriching learning environment aligns perfectly with our district's values and goals.

We look forward to his leadership and the positive impact he will undoubtedly make on our newest school community.

Luke Jankee

The Vision

board with dots and child looking at images
School 17 parent night
School 17 parent night - families engaging with sketches

School #17 Location - Perryville Rd. & Glendale Ave.