Opinion: Are override funds really necessary for MUSD’s improvement?

By Jeff Kramarczyk

In the December issue of InMaricopa News, the opinion piece “Point/Counterpoint: Potter and Kramarczyk on MUSD’s Attempted Override” was published to compare two different perspectives on the MUSD Board’s decision to have a budget override measure placed on the November 2016 ballot.

Since this publication, I have received numerous comments and questions from individuals on both sides of the debate. This attempt at an open dialogue on the merits of the proposed measure is both exciting and encouraging. It is an indication that this is an important issue for the community, one that impacts us directly through an additional tax and/or through the education of our children and indirectly through the growth and advancement of our public school system and community at large.

As with all important decisions, it is critical that we have the opportunity to get insight into both sides of the debate, that we become armed with the full scope of information and, when the time comes, we approach the decision with a clear understanding of why we are choosing a yes or no vote. To this end, I feel this is a great opportunity to begin to share some of the comments and questions that are floating around this topic and to provide a response.

Comment: MUSD has been showing signs of improvement for the last few years without these additional override funds. Why invest this money, when it seems that it is not necessary to generate results?

Response: MUSD has been making great strides, even within its financially constrained environment. The district as a whole is currently at a “B” rating by the state of Arizona Department of Education. The district’s goal is to be at an “A” rating and even further, to have each individual school at an “A” rating. These override funds will help eliminate some of the obstacles that are challenging these goals, including class size, expanded programs and technology. It would be inaccurate to say the district will not achieve these goals unless these override funds are in place. It would also be inaccurate to guarantee the district will achieve these goals if these override funds are in place. What can be said with confidence is these additional funds will help clear the way for continued progress toward obtaining these goals and increase the speed at which they could be achieved. The additional $3.2 million gained from the override measure will increase the opportunity for success from an organization that has proved it can succeed.

I encourage you to have these discussions with fellow community members, voice your concerns, ask questions and get informed. This is a decision that will impact us all for many years to come. Whatever that decision might be, make sure it is based on a complete and clear picture of the cost (financial or otherwise) and benefits.

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Jeff Kramarczyk is president of the Maricopa Education Foundation.

 This column appeared in the January issue of InMaricopa News.