Support Scottsdale Unified improvements with a yes vote
OPINION — As the recently retired principal of Desert Mountain High School, I feel very strongly about voting yes for the special bond election. The infrastructure investment will allow the education professionals to deliver more effectively.
Voting yes on the SUSD budget override will provide a significant benefit for all Scottsdale Citizens, especially our students. A yes vote will improve every aspect of our highly regarded school district as we vote to make significant improvements which are otherwise out of reach.
I can attest to having to pay inordinate attention to technology needs, air conditioning, leaky windows due to buildings settling, outdoor lighting for safety at evening events, door repairs for security and unexpected electrical issues due to old materials and wear and tear on the building. Sewage issues were also more frequent due to the age of the buildings, causing disruption and distraction.
While the district was responsive to our needs, the funds were just not there to upgrade the infrastructure in an adequate manner, as teachers were displaced, students did not have access to labs and hot classrooms took away optimal learning time. Stop-gap maintenance costs are not fiscally wise when we can spend pennies on the dollar passing the special bond.
I have seen the incredible plan for making district-wide improvements, if we pass the override. I trust SUSD to make great use of these specific tax dollars. We need to vote yes to support the budget override to make up for the state’s gap in facilities spending and upgrade our infrastructure.
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