Kleck: Override need stems from lack of state funding

In November, Maricopa voters will once again be asked to consider the approval of an override continuation for the Maricopa Unified School District.

Many would ask why it is necessary and likely expect to hear an answer that is intended to twist the arm of the voter. That seems to be how most of us view the common modus operandi when people are trying to persuade others to vote for their proposal. If one were inclined to use that strategy it would be useless today.

I have recently been given the economic projections for the state of Arizona for the next three years. Simply put there will be shortfalls for each of the next three years and a larger one in 2014. Certainly the exact numbers are subject to change, but they are the numbers I have to use in order to prepare a budget for our district. 

In truth, this override has nothing to do with cutting fat; we’ve already done that. This override has nothing to do with creating fear so people will vote to keep sports; we know that strategy doesn’t really work. This override is about viability. The Governing Board of the Maricopa Unified School District No. 20 has approved a ballot measure asking for a continuance of the maintenance and operations override. This will be on the ballot on Nov. 8. 

The need for the override stems from the continued under funding of school districts by the state and the rising costs of providing the resources needed to educate our students. Our Maricopa families will benefit greatly from the override continuance because a viable public school system is something that should be nourished and sustained in good economic times and in bad. 

Further cuts will be necessary if this override does not pass. Educational programs, sports, transportation, other extracurricular programs, and staff will be severely affected by a third round of cuts. Any extra funds from our Ak-Chin grant and the federal “Keep Teachers Working” funds are gone after next year.

I would expect the immediate effect of the lack of an override continuance to create a negative impact on the social and economic resources in our community. The District needs this override to sustain our financial viability for the next five years. This is a difficult decision for voters and I understand the difficulty, being a homeowner myself.  The decision is even more difficult given the improvements we have made over the course of the last two years. As you may know, we have improved scores and our rating.   

All but three of our schools have a “B” or better rating. One school has an “A” rating while another school is one point away from “A” status. All of our elementary schools improved significantly or maintained student scores. This past school year the high school increased its graduation rate to a mark well above the national level and improved reading scores by 10 percent. Our district is putting into practice the best teaching techniques and strategies in the nation. We are at the cutting edge.

Voting is an important civic responsibility. No matter whetheryou are for or against the override, I encourage everyone to vote.