Pennies that Matter

I know, I know, you are tired of hearing political jargon.  Most information out there is on the Presidential ticket and tends to be most of the focus, but we have much more on the ballot to be concerned about.  Prop 204 is one I am passionate about.  I hope you become educated on the item and vote accordingly, not because of a sign on the side of a road or even my words here, but because you have studied it out and made it YOUR choice. I wanted to take the opportunity to write why I am voting for Prop 204 and why I feel it is essential.  Arizona Legislature has cut more from education than any other state in the nation.  Education has lost one billion dollars and roughly 40 million alone in the Dysart District. Two years ago, voters overwhelmingly voted for a one penny sales tax increase until the year 2013.  Since that time, Dysart has still lost over 20 million in operational costs.  The legislature would argue we could have lost way more if not for the penny tax.  The problem is, we don't know how true that argument is.  Problem being, there is no accountability from the legislature of where the penny tax increase money went or was allocated to.  In short, there is no physical proof anywhere that those dollars went to education.  Locally, by law we are bound when overrides and bonds are passed and within our own annual budget to allocate down to the cent where money is spent, the legislature is not under these same laws.   In continuing the penny sales tax (not a new tax), not only will it be a permanent long-term stable revenue source for education (public AND charter), but even more important, the legislature cannot reduce or allocate those dollars anywhere else.  80 percent will go to education and the rest will be allocated for heath and safety.  This looks to be approximately $600 more per student in our district alone. People want to see accountability with their tax dollars. I want to see accountability with my tax dollars.  Unfortunately, a school can't show that by profits and losses like a normal business, it only produces accountability through the lives of each individual student.  I wish I could go into more depth of the amount of resources needed to support each individual student who are in our schools, but if you're looking to see transparency and accountability, it is more prevalent now than ever in the history of schools.  New initiatives coming which will require accountability and transparency include:   **Higher standards by aligning to Common Core- The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them.  The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that students need for success in college and careers. **Move On When Reading- Arizona will implement an innovative new policy that will create multiple opportunities for 3rd grade students to master reading at the grade level.  Students who score Falls Far Below on the AIMS reading test may be retained in the 3rd grade to meet the rigorous reading standards set forth in the Arizona English Language Arts Standards. **Teacher and Principal Evaluations- Quantitative data on student academic progress accounts between 33 percent and 50 percent of each evaluation for teachers and principals in which effectiveness is determined by performance. We also have programs such as: **Move on When Ready- A new performance-based high school education model designed to increase academic achievement and prepare ALL students for college and careers.  Key components of the model include use of proven world-class instructional systems; multiple education pathways adaptive to individual student interests and needs, moving away from a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. These require staffing, training, new technology, tracking, all which require funding.  Not to mention, our staff have been on a pay freeze for several years.  A high school graduate can now start a career making the same amount as a teacher who has obtained a Bachelor's degree. With these initiatives along with programs already in place as well as state mandated un-funded programs, Prop 204 would be able to adequately fund the essentials to ensure accountability speaks for itself through students.  I know there are individuals who are retired, have no children, or have no children in public or charter schools.  I've heard the argument 'why should I support others' kids?'  My answer is, these kids one day will influence communities.  A first grader may not seem like your priority, but in 15-20 years, they will become a citizen in the community you may depend on.  One of these kids may be piloting aircraft you are flying on one day, fixing your car, be your Mayor, be your accountant, your attorney, or teaching your grandchildren in classrooms.  Strong schools build strong communities. Please feel free to share this info with family and friends in Arizona via Facebook and spread the word.  I feel with the Presidential campaign, worthy measures like this have taken a back seat and it is vital to get the message out.  Feel free to attach my link to it.   You can also go to 'Yes on 204 Website'. I know there are some who have opposition to this.  I am more than willing to have a debate with you with the disclosure that I will only do so AFTER you come tour the schools with me, talk with our professionals and see and learn for yourself what this truly means in our schools and how it will affect the many thousands of employees and students here alone in our district.  This is time I am willing to take out of my schedule and family for the public, so you can go to the polls with understanding of what is actually taking place in our schools, not just assuming.

I also must do a plug for the West-MEC measure on the ballot.  Western Maricopa Education Center is a public school district that focuses solely on innovative career and technical education programs that prepare students to enter the workforce and pursue continuing education.  All four of our high schools at Dysart have CTE programs, some of which are West-MEC programs.   Each student in these programs gains career skills or obtains industry certification, while also attracting jobs and employers.  This translates directly to higher property values and a better business environment.  These programs are contributing to higher rates of success post -graduation.

The cost is minimal, $3.93 annually on a home value assessed at $100,000. Is it just me, or is anyone else excited for November to be over??