Unofficial results show override attempt failing

The Maricopa Unified School District’s request for a 15 percent budget override tax failed at the polls today 68 percent to 32 percent. According to unofficial results, 2,518 voters in the district voted against it while 1,162 voted in favor.

The override was a polarizing issue in the community. Advocates said passing it would ensure quality instruction for students, and help keep Maricopa economically viable as it tries to attract new industry and business. Critics said increasing per-student funding does not always produce the expected results, and a tax increase during a slow economy only puts more stress on people struggling to make ends meet.

MUSD Governing Board member Patti Coutre said she was disappointed by the results.

“It is disappointing the community didn’t get behind it,” she said.  “As a board member we are going to have some tough decisions that will unfortunately not only affect the students but families in the community.”

Because the override failed, Coutre said, the district will have to cut $2.6 million from its budget next year. She said 87 percent of the district’s budget is for salaries.

“I have been on the budget committee, and I don’t know where to cut it except salaries,” she said.

She said it is possible schools may have to increase class sizes and some programs may be discontinued, but it is too early to say what will have to be cut.

“We don’t know what we are going to cut right now,” she said. “We didn’t have room to cut it to begin with.”

She thanked those in the community who did support the override. “I am very grateful for all those teachers, parents and community members who spent hours volunteering their time.”

Jake Johnson was one of the volunteers holding up a “Vote Yes for Kids Today” sign today on street corners throughout the city.

“I find it highly disappointing that our community doesn’t see the value in committing our own money to pay for good education,” said Johnson, whose daughter attends Pima Butte Elementary. “You have to invest in education for the city to grow. (The no voters) see tax dollars going out of their pockets without thinking it through. That’s a big no.”

Duane Vick, a Tortosa resident who has adamantly opposed the override, said today’s “no” vote will not hurt students in Maricopa because there are options besides the public schools.

“Considering the choices that we have — charter schools and home schooling — kid don’t really suffer. If they are not getting good education at MUSD, parents can always take their kids to another school.”

***ADVERTISEMENT***Vick has a son who attends Desert Winds Middle School in the district and two younger children who attend Sequoia Pathway Academy, a charter school on North Porter Road.

Former school board member Tracy Davis said in an email she was “very saddened at the unofficial results, and disgusted with the low turnout.”

The majority of voters in the district voted early by mail-in ballot rather than at the polls.

Out of the 1,162 yes votes, 426 voted at the district’s seven precincts and 736 voted with early ballots. For those who voted no, 536 cast their ballots at the polls while 1,082 voted with early ballots.

Voter turnout was about 18 percent.