Mesa Public Schools Expenditure Override Election 2005

by Daryl F. Mallett

On Tues., Mar. 8, the voters of Mesa Unified School District No. 4 ("the District") will have the opportunity to decide the level of expenditures in the district in a special election.

According to informational pamphlets mailed out to all District residents, the Governing Board of the District is seeking authority for the District to exceed the maintenance and operation budget limit specified by statute by 10 percent. The proposed increase will be in effect for a period of seven years, although it will be reduced to 6.67 percent in the sixth year, and 3.33 percent in the seventh year. Any budget increase authorized by this election shall be entirely funded by the District from a levy of taxes on the taxable property within the District. The proposed override amount is estimated to be $31,630,000 for fiscal year 2005-06.

Override funds would be used to cover inflation expenses not provided for under the state funding formula and to provide for additional services and programs to enhance the education of students as follows:

Maintain Class Size and Programs -- Continue to fund at least 136 teachers.

Security -- Continue to fund school security staff.

Instructional Supplies -- Continue the 35 percent increase to each school supply budget.

Employee Compensation -- Provide a competitive compensation package for employers.

Academic Programs -- Provide additional or alternative academic programs.

Technology Training -- Continue staff training in the use of educational technology.

Teacher Training -- Continue one additional day of training for teachers.

Transportation -- Continue student transportation not funded under the state funding formula.

According to Dr. Sandra E. Dowling, superintendent of Maricopa County Schools, "Arizona law places some restrictions on how much a school district may increase its expenditures from one year to the next without procuring explicit approval of the District's voters in an election. Your task will be to indicate whether you think the District should operate within these limitations or be allowed to spend the amounts proposed in excess. Please note that if the special override election increase is approved, the increase will be added to school district budgets for the number of subsequent years as specified on the ballot. Please study carefully the materials contained in the booklet mailed to you so you will be ready to exercise your right to vote in an informed manner."

The Governing Board of the District released this statement: "Our school district has a rich history of success in academics, the arts and athletics because of community support. Mesa Public Schools is recognized nationally as a top-performing district. Our students need your help to maintain this level of performance."

Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker voiced his support, saying, "The Mesa School Board has demonstrated that when voters approve additional local funding for education, the district spends those monies wisely. They spend only what they need and the funds have a direct impact on learning. As Mesa largest employer (10,000 employees), passage of this override will enable Mesa to continue to attract and retain talented teachers and staff with competitive salaries and benefits."

Mesa City Councilmember Michael K. Whelan agreed. "Mesa voters have consistently approved overrides to support education," he said. "They did so in 1995 and again in 2000. Mesa Public Schools has used those funds to consistently improve education. As the largest school district in Arizona, MPS is one of the most successful school districts in the nation. That's why voting 'yes' in this election is essential to the future of Mesa Public Schools."

The override is also supported by the Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens; Michele Fiore, chairman of the Board of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce; Faith Risolo of the Mesa Education Association; Rich Berumen of the Mesa Education Support Personnel Association; Rich Crandall and Lynn Burnham, both members-elect of the Mesa School Board; and F. Rockne Arnett, president of the East Valley Partnership.

Arizona ranks 49th, second from the bottom, in per-pupil state spending. On election day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. To find your polling place, see the Maricopa County Election Department website at or call 602/506-1511.

(Originally published in Northeast Mesa Lifestyle, Vol. 1:1, March 2005.)