Arizona Constitution Practice Test

What can the permanent state school fund be used for?

1. Field trips

2. School maintenance

3. Scholarships

4. Building construction

The correct answer is: School maintenance

The permanent state school fund in Arizona is primarily designated for the support of public education and its maintenance. This fund generates revenue through the management of state trust lands and investments, which can be used to ensure that schools remain operational and safe for students. School maintenance is a critical aspect since it directly impacts the learning environment, ensuring that facilities are up to standard and resources are available for both students and educators. Although field trips, scholarships, and building construction can be part of educational experiences or funding needs, they typically do not fall under the specific use of the permanent state school fund. Field trips are generally funded through school budgets or fundraising efforts, scholarships often come from different funding sources or endowments, and building construction often requires separate funding mechanisms or bonds. Hence, the focus of the permanent state school fund remains on the ongoing maintenance of existing school facilities, which is essential for the day-to-day operations of public education in Arizona.