Support Fountain Hills override and attend Homecoming Parade

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As Election Day Approaches

To allow candidates the right to respond to criticisms about their candidacy before Election Day, the last day Independent Newsmedia will publish new election-related letters in our weekly print editions is Oct. 21, and the last day they will publish online is Oct. 27. Candidates may submit a 150-word reply addressing criticisms only and should email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org along with their name, address, contact number and the headline of the letter they’re addressing.

OPINION — The school has made several presentations to groups around town. I hope some of you were able to attend.

A couple groups I am directly involved with listened and  many ultimately made the decision that the override continuation had “less risk” than the district losing another $360k each of the next three years, which will not assist in any way to stabilize enrollment or make any other forward progress.

While there are many different opinions on what losing this funding will do to the district or community, the general consensus is it’s not good for local businesses or the community as a whole. Which is what I believe and am taking a stand on.

It’s important to acknowledge the new administration needs the opportunity to right the ship. Ideas are plentiful but it’s difficult to publicize plans since the land sale hasn’t closed.

One thing is for sure, the land sale proceeds are generally not available for M&O expenses like teacher salaries, classroom expenses and extracurricular activities (athletics, etc.) which build enrollment and classroom improvement. 
Once closed, these capital funds are available to continue efforts to consolidate unused facilities and improve efficiencies, which is a critical step that must be undertaken.

It’s also important to note that the current school board and leadership was not involved in the history of mistakes made in the past.

Truly addressing the issue and focus on fixing mistakes requires this override.
It’s a process and you have a group who are truly focused on doing exactly that.

By the way, please attend the FHUSD Homecoming Parade on Parkview Avenue next Thursday, Oct. 15^th. It’s going to be fantastic!

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