Override supporters optimistic streak of failed attempts will end Tuesday

Volunteers working for the budget override in the Maricopa Unified School District say they’re encouraged it will pass this year after similar campaigns have failed.

The 5 percent override would provide $1.525 million for seven years, allowing the school district to hire teachers, support staff and bolster instructional technology. It will be on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. Overrides have failed four times since 2009, including a 20-vote loss in spring 2010.

“The first loss was very close. From there, the spread has been wider because of the economy and because voters have wanted us to do more with what we have,” said Jeff Kramarczyk, president of the Maricopa Education Foundation.

The average homeowner would pay about $5 per month more in property taxes to finance the override, which increases the school district budget by 5 percent.

“I’m more optimistic than ever that it will pass,” Kramarczyk said. “I think the overall disposition of the community is different. There’s a more positive feeling about Maricopa. People feel like this is home.
 
“There have been new developments throughout this campaign,” he said. “The direction of the school district is focused. The main opponents have said do better with what we have. Well, we’ve done that, so we think we’ll pick up support.”

Other key factors include Mayor Christian Price’s support and endorsements from several city council candidates.

“We’ve taken a grassroots approach,” Kramarczyk said. “We’re making sure we’re talking about the override and the district whenever we have a chance. Our volunteers have been bringing it up in everyday conversations with voters, like at the grocery store or at family gatherings.”

Business owner Tena Dugan, whose four children have attended MUSD schools during her 16 years as a resident, said she has appreciated Superintendent Steve Chestnut’s explanation of where the money will go.

Of the $1.525 million, 72 percent will go for additional teachers, 20.5 percent for instructional technology and 7.5 for support staff, the Maricopa Education Foundation said.

“It’s time to give the schools a chance,” said Dugan, owner of NAPA Auto Parts. “I got involved with the override campaign because I am a big supporter of our schools. I am a very involved parent. I see things the general public does not see. I have looked at budgets. I have seen how many positions we’ve eliminated because of budget cuts.

“Dr. Chestnut has impressed the heck out of me,” she said. “The last override, we kept hearing, ‘We have to have this.’ Dr. Chestnut has done the numbers. He has the numbers of how many we are going to hire. He can explain where the money is going to go, and I believe him. It is more important than the lip service, telling us where the money is going. I appreciate that.”

***ADVERTISEMENT***MUSD volunteer coordinator Jim Irving, a former school board member, said he sees more momentum and enthusiasm for this year’s override.

“I think it will pass because we have parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles of our 6,000 students out supporting it. If those people, who already send kids to school, vote for it, it’s enough to pass. We’re making a bigger effort to pass it.”