As part of an $18 billion budget deal struck Tuesday night, state senators voted to lift Arizona’s Aggregate Expenditure Limit for the next fiscal year, giving school districts a little more peace of mind than they’ve had in years past. 

The AEL puts a cap on how much school districts can spend each year. 

For the past two years, lawmakers have allocated more money to public schools than the spending limit allows.

That left districts scrambling with their budgets until spring, when lawmakers voted to lift the cap for the year. 

Had they not done so, some schools would’ve faced shutdowns or massive layoffs.

Tuesday night’s vote ensures schools will get to use all the money the Legislature has allocated without having to wait for last-minute approval.