Mr. Bill Maas Governing Board President

   On behalf of the DVUSD Governing Board, 36,000 students, and nearly 4,000 employees, we would like to thank you for your support of Arizona’s Proposition 100. Two-thirds of the revenue from this temporary three year sales tax will support education. Over the last two years, the district has cut $17 million from our budget and an additional $12 million for 2010-11 brings our total reductions to $29 million. Arizona currently ranks 49 out of 50 states for education funding.
   These financial challenges resulted in offering only the state-funded, half-day kindergarten program, eliminating capital expenditures, entering a second year without salary increases, and reducing supply budgets for 2010-11. Faced with difficult decisions, the Governing Board went to voters in March to request a 15% Maintenance and Operations Override that would have authorized a continuation of our 10% that expires this year and an additional 5% that would have restored some of our reduced funds. This measure failed by 55%-45%.
   In May, the Board held a special study session to discuss our best course of action. Should we repeat our election in November? Should we ask for 10% or 15%? In response, the administration’s recommendation was to request a continuation of only 10% which would mean no new tax increase. While the additional 5% is especially needed at this time, it is important that we are sensitive to the impact on our community and current economic conditions. On June 8th, the Governing Board called for a November election. Without the successful passage in November, the district will need to reduce our 2011-12 Maintenance and Operations budget by an additional $5.5 million each year for three years.
   We realize these are difficult times and we are humbled by the community’s ongoing support of this Maintenance and Operations Override which originated in 1991. There is a correlation between great schools and increased property values. We want to assure the community that we are good stewards of taxpayer’s money and continue to sustain an excellent education with fewer resources than other neighboring districts and other districts across the nation.

Bill Maas - DVUSD Governing Board President