Citizens for A Quality Education

Recent articles published in our local newspapers regarding state budget shortfalls and the impact it is having on our schools causes us great concern. Despite the fact that Arizona’s per pupil funding for education is at the bottom of states, our schools have been called upon to make severe cuts to already inadequate school budgets. Our districts are facing another severe funding crisis if present overrides are not renewed. Below you will find complete and factual information:

Per Pupil Funding:

• Arizona ranks dead last among the states in per pupil funding for education. The states current financial crisis has placed even more stress on school budgets as our state legislature has cut education funding to the bone to balance state funding and will do nothing to either increase or replace local funding such as overrides.

District Spending:

• The district faces the same increases in fixed costs like insurance, utilities, pensions and taxes that we all face.
• Additionally, public education and our district are legally obligated to meet state and federal mandates, many of which are unfunded.
• Our districts have already reduced millions from their budget and reduced programs and services.

What’s been cut?

• Teachers, administrators and support staff positions have been eliminated. More than 120 positions have been cut, including administrators, secretaries, teachers and custodians.
• GUHSD has cut 20% from every supply budget in the district.
• The district has implemented a new utility guideline to severely reduce the districts utility consumption.
• All travel has been reduced from the district operating budget.

What’s at stake if the override does not pass?

• If the override does not pass, severe cuts will be made to academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. The Blue Ribbon Citizen’s Committee has recommended $7.2 million in program reductions; reducing administration, increasing class size, reducing and eliminating athletic and extracurricular programs. The loss of the override will affect the quality of our schools, the safety of our neighborhoods and the value of our homes.

How will the renewal of the Maintenance and Operation Override affect the district tax rate?

• The renewal of the override will not raise the tax rate for the district. This is the continuation of an override already funded on the tax rate. The only effect will be the continuation of the current tax.

We need your support. Please Vote YES on November 3, 2009 for the renewal of Glendale Union High School District’s M & O override.