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ELECTION 2008: District hopes to keep classes as is with budget override

Superintendent says cuts made, more coming, but not enough to fund programs

By Katie Evans
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Oct 05, 2008 - 05:19:16 am MST

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SIERRA VISTA — With the current budget override in its final years, Sierra Vista school district is pursuing a new one.

When district residents head to the polls Nov. 4, they’ll be voting whether to adopt the proposed 9 percent override, down slightly from the 10 percent override currently in place.

If the 9 percent override were to pass, that would mean district residents would see their tax rate related to the override decrease from $0.7033 per $100 to $0.658 per $100. This means, if a person has a home assessed at $100,000, they would pay $65.80 annually.

This would result in override revenues dropping from $3,113,086 to $2,915,527, which

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

“The 9 percent will just fund override programs,” said Superintendent Brett Agenbroad. “It’s a maintenance override to continue what we have.”

If the 9 percent override fails, the override currently in place would drop to 6.6 percent as it enters its sixth year, meaning a district resident would be charged $0.60 per $100 assessed value, or $60 annually for a house assessed at $100,000.

Revenue generated by the override would drop to $2,159,650. In its seventh and final year, the override tax rate would drop to 3.3 percent.

If the override fails, the district says 56 positions that are funded by the override currently in place would be at stake. Among these positions are art teachers, music teachers, all-day kindergarten teachers and teacher aides, librarians and counselors, among others.

Failure of the override would mean the elementary school day would drop by one instructional hour, with the loss of physical education, art and music.

“If we aren’t having special programs, I can’t afford to have those teachers doing nothing for an hour,” Agenbroad said.

Agenbroad, who started July 1, said he has been working to reduce costs in the district, making approximately $297,000 in cuts already.

Some examples include cutting one mechanic position in the transportation department, as well as stopping the practice of allowing transportation and maintenance employees to work on privately-owned vehicles on weekends and after hours, which included recalling and restricting the majority of facility keys, Agenbroad said.

The superintendent now requires fuel logs on every district vehicle and has set a “firm budget” for unleaded fuel.

In addition, cameras have been put on the district fuel station tanks to ensure that vehicles being fueled are, in fact, district vehicles.

There is a no-idle policy in place for school busses. In addition, personal use of public vehicles has been eliminated.

Bus routes have been consolidated, and two after-school athletic buses have been eliminated.

“Students (involved in athletics) have to find their own way home,” Agenbroad said.

The superintendent and assistant superintendent — a position that has been downgraded to the director of human resources, which included a salary reduction — are no longer assigned vehicles. Instead, Agenbroad said those two vehicles can be requested by staff who will be traveling out of the city for various programs, decreasing the number of rental cars needed.

Agenbroad said three positions have been cut from the district office through reshuffling.

Substitutes are no longer called in for classified staff on the first day of their absence, Agenbroad said.

Agenbroad said he expects to make more financial cuts during the next budget session as “there’s a lot locked in contract that I can’t touch right now,” but he said he believes it would be impossible to make enough cuts to fund what the override is currently funding.

“There’s no way that we can reduce our current programs to the extent that would be necessary to fund the programs funded by the override,” Agenbroad said. “There’s nothing I can really do.

“It the voters don’t fund this (through the override), this will go away.”

The maintenance and operation budget, which this year is $38,844,685, is used primarily to pay for the district’s 717 employees, which includes about 405 teachers and teachers aides, Business Manager Michelle Quiroz said.

Though it’s a challenge for most school districts to pass an override, Agenbroad said he feels Sierra Vista school district has a chance.

“I think it has a lot of potential,” Agenbroad said. “I think there’s a lot of support for the school programs.”

People with questions regarding the budget or the override can contact Agenbroad at 515-2714, or Quiroz at 515-2729.

Herald/Review reporter Katie Evans can be reached at 515-4611 or by e-mail at katie.evans@svherald.com.

COMING UP

Watch for a story in a future edition about the arguments for and against the budget override.

POSITIONS SUPPORTED BY THE CURRENT OVERRIDE

The following are positions in the Sierra Vista school district says are funded under the current budget override.

Elementary school level

• Six art teachers

• Six music teachers

• Five physical education

teachers

• One band rider

• Four all-day kindergarten teachers

• Nine all-day kindergarten teacher aides

• Two kinder step teachers

• One first-grade teacher

• One fourth-grade teacher

• Three librarians

• Three counselors

• Classroom supplies allocation

Middle school level

• Two math/reading teachers

• One art specialist teacher

• Two counselors

• One librarian

• Classroom supplies allocation

High school level

• Two math teachers

• One art teacher

• 1.2 drama teachers (which includes someone on sixth-hour rider)

• One band teacher

• Two counselors

• One librarian

• Classroom supplies allocation

In addition, the 2008/2009 budget can be viewed on the district’s Web site, http://sierravistapublicschools.com.

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To Independent wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:19 PM:

" Do you want to go down that path? Who would choose which child has potential and which one does not? Sometimes kids take a little longer to get their act together, but when they do they can really shine. My son was a bit lazy till about the 4th grade, he picked up and now is an honors student at Buena. I didn't take school seriously till I had to put myself through college, now I can send my son to a private school if I chose to. This isn't just about my son, this is about the next generation. "

Independent wrote on Oct 19, 2008 3:19 PM:

" With the world economic collapse "trickling down" to state and local economies and governments, money is in short supply and will be for 3-7 years! No money means tough choices. Get used to it.
This country spends more per capita on education than any other industrialized nation but we have the lowest scores. As someone posted, they have a national language and don't attempt to teach special ed students. Well, I think we should de-emphasise this "equality" horsepucky and follow their lead. Why do we spend 15 times the money on special ed students than general ed? "

Walt wrote on Oct 19, 2008 10:26 AM:

" Was the budget override asked for before or after our countries economic and financial system collapsed? I think they heard George W. nervously (or at least acting nervously) yell in panic that the world is coming to an end if we don't pass that "bail-out" bill. I guess the school district saw this as a way to motivate people and get on the band wagon to get more out of my pocket. I will NEVER vote for a tax increase or budget override! Learn to live within your budget as I have to do and stop ROBBING me! "

Boo Hoo wrote on Oct 18, 2008 7:15 PM:

" When cities want money the first thing they talk about is cutting firefighters and the police, when the school wants money they talk about the children, when it is really a lack of management, and protecting their jobs. I am voting NO. "

To Get Over It wrote on Oct 18, 2008 3:42 PM:

" Hello... it IS for the kids. Losing an art teacher, PE teacher, and others would be detrimental to our kids. Come on guys, pony up for the future of our children! "

To get over it wrote on Oct 18, 2008 9:01 AM:

" Duh! Those teachers serve the kids, no teachers = no programs for the students. It kills me to see the narrow minded self serving views in our community. One side of the mouth complains about delinquency and kids that can't read or perform simple math then the other side of the mouth refuses to do something about it. You mey be the most hypocritical people I have ever seen. You refuse to look at fact when commenting on the importance of the programs in question, you areonly hurting yourseves in the long run! "

Get over it wrote on Oct 17, 2008 9:54 PM:

" The teachers, the board members all are saying it it for the children, I isn't, it is about keeping jobs for the art teachers, the music teachers, and the PE teachers. "

working Mom wrote on Oct 17, 2008 1:08 PM:

" This is the first time I've posted- but the result of not supporting this and the views of these bloggers saddens me. Yes money is tight for everyone but have you considered the consequence to the kids if this doesn't pass? What are the kids going to do if out of school 1 hour earlier? How can they get accepted into good colleges without these programs (yes they are required for most college apps now). So many of you are just thinking about yourself and not the future of our kids and our community. I say vote YES!! "

the true something wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:51 PM:

" to think abou: The district does NOT have to eliminate what is coming from the old override. That is a scare tactic by them. They are free to work the budget anyway they want. It's easy to scare to try to get your way. Why do you think city governments always threaten no library and less police? Easier to threaten that than actually find waste in government bureaucracy. "

To Lydia and rest wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:56 PM:

" In your day, special needs children were not taught and English was the language teachers used with students to communicate. There are alot of unfunded mandates that we have now that weren't around back then. I also believe that 50 kids to a class and everything was rosey has more to do with the rose colored glasses. We do spend more per child then other countries, but other countries have national languages and don't bother with special needs such as autism and learning disabilities. Do you want to go to a system where not all children deserve an education? "

Independent wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:56 AM:

" Someone posted about union problems, and brought something new to my mind. I admire unions and attribute to them the rise in a middle-class in this country. My thinking is that unions, representing workers, are a counter-weight to management power. The struggle is good for both. In education, are both (labor and management/administration) on the same side so the "struggle" is then against the people unrepresented at the table, the taxpayer? Just a thought. Ideas? "

Vote No wrote on Oct 15, 2008 7:25 PM:

" Always vote no on more taxes. Your life will be subjected to more and more taxes every year, without your approval. For Pete's sake, you will go down. But always go down swinging! "

Something to think about wrote on Oct 15, 2008 3:20 PM:

" I've noticed many people clamoring for the end of busing and breakfast and various positions. What most people don't understand is that the district can't pick and choose who goes if the override fails. These teachers jobs are dependent on the override and if it fail, those teachers go. The school's don't get to pick this teacher here or that administrator there or to get rid of busing. Those teachers are let go, end of story. "

Steve wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:58 PM:

" Wasn't that bill we voted on twice a few years back that increased our taxes suppose to do the very same thing that the current override bill is asking? This is the onset of taxationation without representation! Vote NO!!!!! "

AZ Oldie wrote on Oct 15, 2008 11:22 AM:

" Its the wrong time for folks to be asking for more money. I understand why people want a raise, prices are going up on everthing. If they get more money how do they know it is going to be enough? They don't. Money is not worth what it was even a few months ago. The schools need to learn to economize and work within their current budget. I have to vote no because I just cannot afford to pay more at this time. "

Union Problem wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:26 AM:

" The local teachers union supports the override. No surprise. More taxes = more money available for the union and its members. The union also also wants AZ to allow real estate transfer taxes. Prop 100 will PROHIBIT transfer taxes. Thus the union does not support prop 100. I voted against the override and for prop 100. "

Independent wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:10 PM:

" I admire teachers. Why doesn't the district eliminate busing and put the money into saving the 56 teachers positions to be terminated when the override fails? SV does have a transit system and, if their schedules don't fit the needs of the district, negotiate with them. They'd like the increased ridership, I'm sure. I ran just such a system in a city of about the same size and our big ridership times were school (am/pm) and mid-day for seniors. A good use of existing resources and save our teachers! "

Happy Pagan wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:06 PM:

" This comes out to 41 positions for elementary school, 6 positions for middle school, and 8 (8.2) positions for high school. How many students are there in each of these categories and is this an "equal hurt" downsizing? Anybody know? "

Iconoclast wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:03 PM:

" I don't see the 2008-09 budget. Could you be sure you can find it, Katie, then indicate where you located it? "

Mold wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:10 AM:

" Who's getting emotional? I've made up my mind. Voting NO, and that's that. If you thought you could change minds with insults, you were wrong. "

fed up wrote on Oct 13, 2008 10:04 AM:

" Mold, too bad your emotions get in the way of realistic thinking and cognative recognition of the facts. Get on line and look up the facts! That is unless the mold in your brain really has taken over. I want change, not this same ole crap going in circles. I look elsewhere for ideas and answers, I do not run the minutes idiots make stupid decisions. "

Mold wrote on Oct 12, 2008 7:04 PM:

" If you like Finland so much, don't the let the door hit you on the way out. I'm still voting no - along with my family, friends, and my neighborhood! "

fed up wrote on Oct 12, 2008 9:35 AM:

" "Mold" your brain must be full of it. It is like how NCLB has killed education. Though the intent was great it backfired. How do you improve the problem by taking money away. Like with NCLB, where if the school fails we will take away your funds and see if you can do better. At least Finland had the right idea, if your schools fail let's see if some $ to update materials to keep up with the world will help. In a sense, by voting no here you are doing the same thing. Idiotic to say the least! "

Vote No wrote on Oct 11, 2008 10:55 PM:

" I have learned that we have some classes with only 9-12 students per teacher. This is classic waste in the school system.
Other school districts can get by without an override....is there a spending problem here?
How do we even know this District has evlauated the budget correctly? Remember the past property tax debacle? Vote No...and I am betting somehow that laundry list will not nearly be as long as far as elmination of programs. Perhaps it will force the district to be creative and live within their means like we all must do. "

Mold wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:52 AM:

" "fed up," the solution to the mold problem would have been to keep up with current building maintenance - just as one has to do at home. That's the responsible thing to do. And yes, I do have every right to complain when it's MY wallet you're going after. If I was walking down the street, and you laid a hand on my wallet, I'd have no problem with helping you to realize what a big mistake that was. I will vote no! "

CGS wrote on Oct 11, 2008 5:44 AM:

" Teachers are grossly overworked and underpaid. If the schools can't afford to hire HIGHLT-QUALIFIED TEACHERS (as per the NoChildLeftBehind Act) then the schools have no choice but to hire long-term subs who are paid even less than teachers, with no benefits. This is a serious problem in our area schools: teachers don't want to come to our county to teach for $6000 less a year than in Tucson or Phoenix, and then fight the gang leaders and angry parents who complain about their child's grades. "

Unbelievable wrote on Oct 10, 2008 7:26 PM:

" How could the school exist with out, one band rider, Classroom supplies allocation, another classroom supplies allocation, 1.2 drama teachers (which includes someone on sixth-hour rider), and another Classroom supplies allocation?
I have a feeling they will find out. "

fed up wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:12 PM:

" "What", the positions are not at the bottom. Like those with government and Fannie Mae, and other corporations unnamed, there tends to be too much at the top. If you review what schools in other coutries have you will see the ratio is higher for teachers not administrators. We are not talking about the ones who work hard like staff. We are talking about too many principals, too many administrators that work in the district office. Hope that clarifies it. "

What wrote on Oct 10, 2008 9:17 AM:

" Everyone is claiming "Cut unnecessary positions". What exactly are these positions? Should we cut the janitiors who clean or the already understaffed maintenance department? How about the receptionist who answers the endless parental crying? Maybe we should cut the payroll clerks. Employees don't need a paycheck. Do away with bus drivers? There would be a riot. What we really need to cut is the unfounded rhetoric and plain lies spread by those who plainly don't believe in public schools. "

fed up wrote on Oct 10, 2008 8:49 AM:

" OMG, and MOLD, WAKE UP!!!! So what solutions do YOU have? You have no right to complain and moan if you just sit on you rear ends and do nothing. You obviously do not have kids in the HS, or else you would be concerned. I think you should listen to HEY, That person has the right idea. "

Mold wrote on Oct 10, 2008 7:12 AM:

" "Fed Up, "Buena is not that old. If it leaks and has mold, then someone has failed to do the common building maintenance. Don't try to dump that on the taxpayers, too! Geez... what will you come up with next? If you're tryig to guilt the hearts and minds to your way of thinking, it's NOT working! "

OMG wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:01 PM:

" Now mold is a reason to vote for the override. First it was music, art PE. and for the children. What next?
If you think that God will strike you down if you vote no, vote yes. "

Hey is wrong wrote on Oct 9, 2008 4:44 PM:

" The amount of money paid by parents for participation in after school sports in miniscule compared to the cost to run them. Consider the cost of fuel, added bus maintenance, drivers, coach stipends. Most coached are second rate teachers who are only hired to have something to do before they go out to coach after school sports. Wait, I forgot the cost to maintain the fields, gymnasiums, fees for the use of the Cove etc... We could keep a bunch of Art & Music teachers as well as nurses or librarians with that money! "

Hey wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:24 AM:

" The after school sports are paid by the parents, not the school. Granted the school pays for the coaches contracts but the athletes pay to participate in these sporting events. Everyone says to cut the sporting events but is that right. I don't think cutting art and music is the right answers. I think cutting unneccessary jobs would be the first step instead of cutting classes that would benefit all the students. "

fed up and I do vote in SV wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:11 AM:

" To Tax payer, You are correct the district does need more money to function. Just walk into the high school art rooms, all 3 of them. They smell of mold. One leaks so bad during a rain it has to have 4 to 5 garbage cans out for students to walk around to get to their seats. It is just a matter of time before kids start getting sick from mold spores. The high school building is old and in need of repair. W/out the override you eliminate one art teacher at the HS level. Classes are crowded enough, artisrequiredtograduate. "

Art teacher wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:51 PM:

" To Tax Payer, It's an interesting idea to write to the legislature to extend funding through tax credit donations, but in the mean time, I'd like to keep my job. Any citizen can also write to the legislature, not just board members. This district has had wonderful art, music & PE classes for at least the last 20 years. It will be such a shame to lose them now. "

potential teacher wrote on Oct 8, 2008 5:09 PM:

" Why is it when it comes to budget cuts arts and music go first? There is data out there proving these subjects help students in other core curriculum. No, instead we gotta keep the after school sports. Az schools are # 50 in the nation. Something has to give. Go on line and see what schools in Europe are doing. Here we are too top heavy with administration. Our schools employees are about 60% teachers (or less). In Finland 90% of all education employess are teachers. It's about the students folks, not some one who rapes the system. "

To taxpayer wrote on Oct 8, 2008 8:23 AM:

" People are, in fact, lobbying the AZ legislature to make a variety of changes, but that doesn't mean that they'll happen. And even if the change was made, the small amount that could be donated (if every single parent donated) wouldn't even cover a third of what's required. The simple fact of the matter is that the district needs this money to sustain current programs. "

Just my opinion wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:23 PM:

" Did you ever think that they always threaten to cut art and music because those parents with brains realize those are important to having a well rounded child and the override passes. Threaten to cut sports/spirit squad etc and I would guarantee it wouldn't pass. Those activities are not inherent to be a well rounded adult. I participated in art and music and encourage my children to as well. It is time to be honest about where the money really goes. Music classes never get the "traveller" bus with reclining seats. "

Taxpayer wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:51 PM:

" Then why aren't our school board members lobbying the AZ Legislature to extend the Tax Credit donations to additional uses, like music, art and PE? "

hairflippinfun wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:03 PM:

" To the person who mentioned the Tax Credit donations... That donation is limited to a maximum of $400 a year and can only, by state law, be designated for few specific extracurricular programs at specific schools such as the Buena Robotics Team, Odyssey of the Mind, the Carmichael and PdS CHAMPS programs, etc. The tax credit cannot fund normal instructional programs or salaries for teachers in art, music, p.e., kindergarten, and libraries. AZ is 49th in school funding even behind Puerto Rico. Eightey-nine percent of AZ schools have passed override taxes to help them operate. "

I Vote NO wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:32 AM:

" Don't give a rat's behind what the supporters of this override think. "Selfishness," in this case, is nothing more than lookin' out for MY well-being. There is already an override in place. That was supposed to be the last one. I am not willing to cut back anymore: going to the grocery store twice a month, filling my gas tank every 3 weeks, or having friends over for dinner once a month. I've given up meals out, movies, the annual vacation, monthly haircut, new clothes, and paid pet grooming. I don't care, and I don't care who doesn't like it! "

CUT SPORTS FIRST wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:16 AM:

" Mr. Agenbroad, I applaud your entry as the leader of our school district. What I can't understand is why you would consider cutting teachers and educational programs before even thinking of cutting after school sports. After school sports cost the district plenty and cater only to a privledged few students. I must pay so other kids can play basketball or football in Phoenix while you threaten programs my kids can do during the day while in school. This is absolutely Ridiculous. Based on this, I will be voting NO!!! "

Notice wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Has anyone noticed that the people who plan to vote NO are the same people who consistantly nag about the youth of today and how misguided and terrible they are. Do you really think cutting all these things out of school will really help them? I'm sure you realized this and realized it will give you the opportunity to whine even more. Congratulations. You found a way to have your cake and eat it too. "

Taxpayer wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:04 PM:

" Bravo! Taxed Out has the answer: Tax credit contributions -- a VOLUNTARY school tax with "net result, no tax increase for the contributors" because of the tax credit. Wouldn't it be good for the school board to push this as a way of increasing revenue? I was happy to make those contributions for several years, until the override was forced. Then I quit. Too much tax. Enough is enough. Vote No. "

wondering wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:44 PM:

" the governer mandated the all day kinder but didn't put in the funds to pay for it...and i would like to know where the person got their info about az being in the top for ed funding we are about 49th in the nation behind puerto rico even for funding of education.... "

To more money is not the answer wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:58 PM:

" Where did you find that AZ is in the top 1/3? I see clearly that AZ is the 2nd lowest in the nation at 6184 per student average (nat average is 8700) and SVPS averages just over 5700 per student 40M/7000 and that is before admin, busses, fuel, substinance and maintenance wich brings us to less than 3100 per student. That is in fact the lowest per student ratio in the nation! A TOTAL EMBARRASSMENT!
http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07/tables/dt07_172.asp?referrer=list
Also note, 2nd worst paid teachers in the nation! Thats a lot to be proud of isnt it! "

To More Money wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:00 PM:

" I don't believe a single thing you say about state funding. You may have looked it up, but your sources must not be real reliable since you didn't share them. The SVCEC websit gives sources. The bottom line is that we need to have quality education for our children, our future and our community. You "no voters" just continue to be selfish. None of you tried to get on the board & yet continue to criticize. Even if WE paid YOU, you'd still vote NO selfish people. "

Send Mail wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:56 PM:

" Oh, I forgot, "Poly-ticker", I don't think there's a town around that would welcome you. You obviously have your priorities in all the wrong places. If you really think families should leave town, maybe you need to find a place where there are no families. I'm sure there are such places. Maybe a nudist colony. Maybe you could live in a cave. Better yet, how about a different country where you won't have any taxes at all??? That's the best idea. Then see how life is for ya. "

Send mail wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:47 PM:

" LDinMI has explained a perfect example of how it could look if this override doesn't pass. And exactly how do you think this picture will benefit this community over all??? It is very very sad. Our young people deserve better than what he describes. And Jane Tilton, Paul Arnold, Lydia, & all of you other folks who really need to lighten up and find out what it's like to be a kind and caring "CITIZEN", I'd be happy to forward your mail when this override does pass. "

Dear Jane wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:41 PM:

" What I believe is that you haven't been around much. Taxes are low here & it's a small amount that they are asking to help us have quality schools. The schools are already cutting back. Again... you NO voters keep ignoring the facts!!! Vote yes for a better community!!! "

Jane Tilton wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:06 PM:

" What part of "We can't afford this" doesn't the SV School adminsitration understand?
Lower rate? Offset by a $60,000 increase in the assessed value of my house! Our property taxes are already over 10% of our income--on a house we paid $139,000 for.
If taxpayers have to cut back, maybe the schools should, too! "

Not So Fast wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:49 AM:

" To "Last Word:" Sounds like YOU'RE the one who is worried that you don't have enough votes to, once again, unload your mess on the taxpayer. We were promised the last override was the last. After the budget fiasco, the taxpayers said they'd never support another override ever. Now we're going to make good on that promise, and hold the district to it's promise! "

More money is not the Answer wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:02 AM:

" I decided to blow of the rhetoric and research this myself. A simple internet query revealed Education Funding in the State of Arizona ranks in the upper third while overall student performance ranks in the lower third of the nation. This tells me throwing more money at the problem is NOT the answer. Apparently, officials are not very efficient using the money they already have. I’m going to vote NO!!!! "

Last word wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:16 AM:

" The simple fact is that all of you whiners do not have the votes to defeat this override. To the parents of all children who benefit from music, art, and the other great programs that will be funded by this override, get out and vote!!! Let your voice be heard and support our children. If the people who do not support education do not like it, they are free to move somewhere else. The taxes here are some of the lowest in the country and still people complain. "

Im Wrong wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:22 AM:

" To Unbelievable: Nope, I'm not a teacher at all. I agree with you that the original override was a tax increase. As a property owner, I'm paying it, too. So I did your math, and the current override of 6.3% (next yr) + 3.3% = 9.6% (the following year). The proposed override of 9% X 5 = 45%, a difference of 35.4% total. I'm voting NO - no matter what. I want it to end, but I believe we'll be fighting this thing forever. "

it IS a tax INCREASE wrote on Oct 5, 2008 11:33 PM:

" This tax is an option, so by voting it down we will achieve 0 extra tax. By voting for it you are voting to maintain a TAX INCREASE whether it is 9% or 8%. The district chose a tiny bit less so they and the proponents could falsely run around and say it is a tax decrease. If this is how educators educate on a measure, I'd hate to learn how other issues get taught in the schools. "

Mark C. wrote on Oct 5, 2008 11:03 PM:

" So let's see if I got this right, instead of a 10% override, were going to get a 9% override... we’re going to pay less in tax than we are right now and kids don't lose out on Math, Reading, Art, PE, Music, Librarians or Counselors. If we defeat the override our taxes go down a bit more, and our kids lose out on all the positions supported by the override. What's crazy is that we even need an override to give our kids a half decent education, when did Americans become so selfish? "

Caveman wrote on Oct 5, 2008 11:03 PM:

" Okay so lets take away music, art, pe, counselors, librarians, busing, and supplies and we get: uncreative, unimaginative, fat kids who can't solve problems and can't cope in life. Not to mention they don't have a clue how to use a library to find resources containing valuable information. In addition lets take away thier buses and make them walk everywhere so they can be picked up by the local child abductors mentioned so often in the papers. Finally who needs crayons,paper,pencils,etc. let just go back to the caves and teach with hieroglyphics. That oughta save us a ton! "

Support Education wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:42 PM:

" How is this a bailout? The district isn't facing bankruptcy, they just want to continue valuable educational programs and keep enough staff to meet the needs of all students. The facts are simple. 4 years ago a bond was passed to increase money, by the taxpayers, to fund programs for public education. Now the time period is up for the funding and the need for these programs continues. We are being asked to continue this funding, not increase it. Why take away 56 jobs and valuable programs so you can save yourself $25 to $75 in 5 years? "

Taxed Out wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:29 PM:

" What would not be a tax increase would be for those concerned about lack of funding to make the tax credit contribution to the district. That decreases the contributor's state income tax on a dollar for dollar basis. Net result, no tax increase for the contributors and no tax for the rest. If that approach is adopted, I will be pleased to also contribute. "

Hey Arnold wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:21 PM:

" You continue to spew hatred and rhetoric but still have not given one ounce of evidence to back up your statements. Maybe YOU ran a racket as the "President of the Board of Trustees of the 2nd largest Community College District in CA."(again, no proof...what district?)You have not responded to any of my questions and criticism, most likely because there is no logical explanation or evidence behind your rants. Teachers unions include Republicans, Independents and conservatives. They are not all Democrats or Liberals. Describing Union members as thugs doesn't add any weight to your false statements. Vote YES! "

Please Not Again wrote on Oct 5, 2008 9:54 PM:

" The Board sold the last overide as a "short term and temporary measure". Well here it is again with the same old threats of doom and gloom. What doesn't the Board have the guts to simply call it like it is? They don't have enough money to fund the positions they added during the last overide so they need another increase to maintain the status quo. Folks, tell the Board to live within their budget; I have too... "

Hereford wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:51 PM:

" Many people here are pointing out it's just another $65.00+, well that's only for a $100K house. Try finding many of those in the city limits. Any way, you have that increase in addition to the county's increase, Cochise College and our Fire District. So it's not just another $65.00 as some say. Take a look at your new tax bill that the County just sent out. A suggestion to save some money by the district: cut these lavish retreats the School Board takes in Tucson and other places- that would save some money! "

Brightwood58 wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:45 PM:

" "Independent" makes some good points...also glad to read that the superindent realizes that having a car paid for by the school district is hard to justify when asking for an override... "

Excuses wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:35 PM:

" Maybe Agenbroad should be cutting high paying positions. Why should a person who walks aroung the high school all day-ordering people around, get the highest paid position possible in. Everyone who works at the high school knows the person. If you want another place start looking at why the district office personel gets more pay then other school sites. That money can go to better usage that making 20 people work less and get more. Clean up house better with those "cushy" jobs. "

Paul Arnold wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:48 PM:

" "ITS FOR THE CHILDREN." The same song over and over for mismanagement and wasteful administrator spending.
HAS ANYONE NOTICED THAT NOT ONE ADMINISTRATOR WILL BE CUT IF THE OVERRIDE FAILS?
I have been President of the Board of Trustees of the 2nd largest Community College District in CA. "Education" is the biggest racket in the Country outside the Democrat Party.
The teachers union is run by union thugs hand in glove with school administrators associations who believe taxpayers will always sucker in on "its for the children."
These people despise us and "the children."
VOTE NO ON OVERRIDE! "

Poly-Ticker wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:44 PM:

" Someone's confused: Without the current override (a tax increase) being perpetuated, our taxes will GO DOWN. Only a few (perhaps 7000-12,000 parents) benefit from the many services provided by the district including free baby sitting, health care, meals, and transportation mostly paid by strangers (the taxpayer). Parents have gotten spoiled but those times are ending. Get used to it or transfer to another district (good luck). As for families leaving unless the override is continued, where shall we send your mail? "

Unbelievable wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:00 PM:

" I can't believe that some people are allowed to vote. I think if you can't understand the issues, don't vote. Example A, Not a TAX INCREASE, wrote that taxes are not going to go up if the override passes. I think 9% for five years is more than 6.3% and 3.3% for the next two years. By any chance is Not a TAX INCREASE, a music teacher? "

LDinMI wrote on Oct 5, 2008 6:56 PM:

" just to keep our jobs. We lost our school counselors, our custodians, they decided to privatize the cleaning crew, we have a guideline as to who can ride the bus, you have to live at least a mile and half or more from your school to be eligible to ride the bus. We did all this plus more because our referendum didn't pass. My suggestion...vote YES!!! "

LDinMI wrote on Oct 5, 2008 6:52 PM:

" I grew up in this area, I went to school in the old high school. I now live in Michigan in a town half the size of SV. Guess What!!! We are all having budget issues in our school sysytems. I work for the public schools and I have seen them close one school, consolidate another elementary school, then take our middle school and make it an intermediate school 4-6 grade and put our 7th and 8th graders with the high school students. We as special ed aides took a 1.00 and hour paycut, lost our inservice days, snow days "

Mikey wrote on Oct 5, 2008 6:26 PM:

" To the SV Herald and reporter Katie Evans.
In your articles please state that District Property Owners will pay the override bill and not district residents. Not all residents are property owners. This is a bill wholly paid for by property owners and no one else. This is not a small point.
Thanks "

Pay Attention wrote on Oct 5, 2008 6:14 PM:

" Look a little closer readers, it's not a tax increase. Actually it is proposed that it actually decrease slightly. The idea is that we are already paying the money to provide for these programs and jobs so why not continue to support something that makes sense? It's about the kids in this community. We owe it to our future generations to provide opportunities for positive growth. lets do something right by our youth and vote "yes" and keep these valuable programs!!! "

To Not a TAX INCREASE wrote on Oct 5, 2008 4:25 PM:

" We get it just fine. If this override passes, the tax rate will go down by a measly 1%, BUT the taxes will be paid for a LONGER period of time. And then the school district will come back wanting yet ANOTHER override. NO THANKS! LET THIS THING COME TO AN END!!! It's getting to be a full time job dealing with bailouts. Between the request for this bailout and federal bailout and some states needing a bailout, I've had enough of bailouts! NO NEW OVERRIDE! "

Mean Nasty wrote on Oct 5, 2008 4:12 PM:

" It's so easy to be "mean and nasty" and ignore the facts. Some of you folks just want to vote no out of spite with very little regard to the effect your decision will make on our children. It's unbelievable that Mr. Agenbroad & this district have explained again & again what a minimal effect this override will have on your pocketbook & some of you continue to ignore the real facts & persist on choosing a vote that will have such a huge impact on this... "YOUR COMMUNITY". "

To B wrote on Oct 5, 2008 3:58 PM:

" There have been tons of details about the school district's budget. You are obviously not looking. I'll try one more time by suggesting that you look on the SVCEC website. Don't forget to click on the pages that will give you more details. You will find great information there. "

Hooray for Volunteers wrote on Oct 5, 2008 3:35 PM:

" I'm really sorry that some of you think you have all the answers about our school district. In the school I work in, we have many retirees who volunteer in several different ways. We love and appreciate them very much. They see first hand what is happening in our schools. I'm certain that they see the necessity for this override as well as anyone employed by the district. It's amazing what a difference it can make to have an "insider's view". "

To Oldie wrote on Oct 5, 2008 3:30 PM:

" No, really though with all due respect... the world was a completely different place then. The challenges your "teacher" faced were so completely different, you really cannot fairly compare the situation. From the subject matter he or she taught to the challenge of teaching children in this modern video age. There are so many other issues that our teachers face. In the school I teach in, we have many elderly volunteers. Recently, I overheard two retired teachers amazed at what a great things are happening in our classes. "

Not a TAX INCREASE wrote on Oct 5, 2008 3:20 PM:

" You "no voters" continue to ignore the facts. You aren't taking a single second to read the facts. Your taxes are not going up if you pass this override. It is extremely important to the education of our children as well as the future of this community that we pass this override. Stop all the selfishness & figure it out. Vote YES!!! "

Support Community wrote on Oct 5, 2008 3:18 PM:

" If you think it will not hurt our community to lose these special programs in our schools, you are mistaken. Families do not want to live in towns that have "poor schools". Many communities offer even more special programs than SVPS. If we do not support this override, it will have an effect on this community as a whole. The real problem starts at the state level. It is very sad that this kind of thing has to tear apart a lovely small town like Sierra Vista. "

Unbelievable wrote on Oct 5, 2008 3:12 PM:

" Dear Lydia,
It is a truly unbelievable story you tell. The most unbelievable part is that you actually think you were effective as a teacher with 55 children in your class. The second unbelievable thing about your story is that you were ever a teacher & you do not support education!!! I doubt many people will put much weight on your pitiful story. Again you "no voters" continue to ignore that facts of funding in this state. I'm voting to support our children, our community & our future. "

Take A Closer Look wrote on Oct 5, 2008 2:52 PM:

" It's sad to see that important programs and valuble teachers will be lost because people don't want to put out a minimal ammount of money to keep these programs in place. In the article it stated if the override passed a homeowner whose home was valued at $100,000 would be paying $65.80 annually toward thier property taxes. if it doesn't pass that same person would instead pay $60 annually. What is another $5.80 annually people? They aren't asking for more money they just want to keep it going and not lose any money. So what's the complaint people??? "

Happy Pagan wrote on Oct 5, 2008 2:52 PM:

" Can't have too many articles about the override. We are just getting to the good stuff. Agenbroad's "reforms" are the tip of the problems at the district. Note to Katie: I didn't understand the part about substitutes being called in for classified staff on the first day or that without the over-ride, the school day for elementary schools would be shortened one hour. Or why math teachers at BHS would be dropped (math requirements have recently increased). Now, let's see the contracts and what the board has been doing. And to think no one opposed them. "

B wrote on Oct 5, 2008 2:48 PM:

" when can we see an article that tells us where all the schools budget is going, and why we need an override? im not buying it. "

Independent wrote on Oct 5, 2008 2:37 PM:

" I feel sorry for Agenbroad. The things he mentions in this article (no week-end use of facilities or equipment, fuel logs to ensure only district vehicles are fueled, personal use of district vehicles, elimination of after-school athletic buses, etc.) are indicative of a play-pen attitude by previous administrations toward public resources. I appreciate his keen eye to these details, and wonder what other things he'll find? I suggest he take a look at the inventory records for computers and equipment. TUSD had a real problem, losing millions. I don't think we're immune to "walking assets". "

why vote no wrote on Oct 5, 2008 2:30 PM:

" 4 all day kidergarten teachers and 9 all day kindergarten aides. If I remember correctly, the STATE (thanks to liberal Napolitano) is paying for all day K(baby sitting). So why is this even part of the override now? Just shows you how the district manipulates the budget to concoct the same "need" for the override. This is 13 positions that could and should be cut. Why do local taxpayers have to pay the additional 3.5 hours of day care? "

Cochise County Concerned Citizen wrote on Oct 5, 2008 1:31 PM:

" An emphatic NO on the override. The students don't need art, pe, counselors, or librarians. What has happened to education? Let the parents, who really are the children's first teachers, go back to teaching their children. Students can walk to school. Those that don't go to school, or can't make it in school can just join the ranks of unemployed, underemployed or criminal class. The hundred dollars that were saved in taxes will be wisely invested I'm sure. Best $100.00 I have ever saved. I DON'T THINK SO!! Forward thinking citizens, VOTE YES. "

B wrote on Oct 5, 2008 1:12 PM:

" I just worry about the effect on the children if they lose thier extra programs. PE, Music, Art... are important to learning & growing in our children too! "

Independent wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Let's see. The $9.9 billion state budget is perhaps $1 billion short, the nation is downing in debt and just passed another $1 trillion bail out with funny money, for the last nine months the U.S. has lost jobs (159,000 jobs lost in September alone), we are fighting two wars where people are dying--and this district has problems balancing its very generous budget?! I say, face facts and cut jobs like everyone else, bub. Personally, I'd start with transportation which is not a required "class". Then reduce food and energy costs. I could go on . . . "

A Cochise County teacher wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:26 PM:

" Response to Lydia - yes, in past years discipline was less of a problem. But schools are extremely limited in what they can do in terms of discipline in today's 'anything goes' society. Parents do not teach their children proper behavior and often do not support the school's attempts at discipline - in fact they threaten (and sometimes carry out) lawsuits for anything and everything. It's not the same world as it was in the mid 1940's. "

get a clue wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:26 PM:

" The usual free ad space by the Herald with biased reporting. Who is Agenbroad trying to kid saying that "[he] can’t afford to have those teachers doing nothing for an hour,” Teachers are paid by contract, not the hour, they get paid whether teaching or not. "

Well wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:24 PM:

" I hope all these working parents have somewhere for their children to go. After school will start at around 1 p.m. Considering the override will increase your taxes only $5 over a year on a $100,000 mortgage, that will cover one HOUR of babysitting, if that. Pull out your wallets folks and also think of all the kids that will be hanging around with nothing to do. I have never seen so many tight people who are worrying about $5 - $10 OVER A YEAR. I guess Sierra Vista is on the poverty level. "

JJ wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:20 PM:

" It never ceases to amaze me that the same conservatives that rail on Liberals about always towing the party line will do the same with the Republican one. With state funding cuts, the money to teach our kids must come from some where. I think most-even the poor, poor retired folks can afford this slight DECREASE in our taxes to keep our well run school district operating at its optimum. This is one conservitive republican that will vote YES on the overide. "

Oldie wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:12 PM:

" When I went to school 30 students, one room, grades one thru eight, one teacher. We had reading, arithmetic, spelling, writing, singing, a Christmas pagent, field trips, picnics, played athletic games, and said the pledge the first thing in the morning. 9:00 till 3:30, with two 10 minute breaks, and a half hour lunch period, eating out of lunch pails. Did I mention one teacher?
Then we went on to high school, trade school, college, or just worked and became sucessfull. "

Show me the numbers wrote on Oct 5, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Where are the budget numbers. Just a basic spread sheet for the past, current, and next 2 fiscal years. Without the information for me to base a decision on the answer is no. "

Amazed wrote on Oct 5, 2008 11:39 AM:

" I am amazed at the lack of support from people over our childrens' education. The only people that you are affecting through your vile rhetoric and lack of support is our children. Do not make the children pay for the mistakes that you believe the administrators made. Have any of you making these comments walked inside a school building? Have you volunteered your time in one? Have you seen any of the countless good that goes on within our schools? Until you walk a day in the students or teachers shoes, you should be supportive! "

YES wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:50 AM:

" All you people do is complain about your retirement funds, high gas and food prices. BLAH, BLAH. What do the kids who attend Sierra Vista schools and the fantastic people who work there have to do with the mess that the Federal government has created? The override will NOT raise your taxes!!! There is plenty of money to go around in this town. I don't see anyone suffering around here with all the high price cars and big, fancy homes. Why are people so unwilling to give a little to help so many people. "

Hereford wrote on Oct 5, 2008 10:05 AM:

" What happened "back in the day" when art, music, and PE were included in budgets and not considered something "extra" that only overrides could fund. This Superintendent and School Board need to start working the budget to make things work- stop with the excuses and just do it. Yeah, it might to be painless, but right now if you look around nothing is painless as our economy fails us. This city is really getting tired of the complaining by those running this school district. "

Lydia wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:51 AM:

" I remember well during WWII that many of the teachers had enlisted and there was a shortage. Not only were there 55 pupils in my 8th grade class, there were only 48 desks. Where there were two side by side, some pupils had to sit in the 'gap'. True, it was only about an inch, but we were CROWDED. We were also well taught. There were no problems with discipline in those days and in New York we had the highest education in the nation! LACK of money is not the problem. "

NO wrote on Oct 5, 2008 6:37 AM:

" JUST HOW MANY ARTICLES ABOUT THIS OVERRIDE DO WE NEED? If the district thinks that inundating us with the "same old, same old," it's NOT working. Anyone who has lived in SV long enough knows that, whether this override passes or not, the district will be back at the earliest opportunity to get another one. I'm voting no! I see my retirement funds shrink on a daily basis with higher gas and food costs. Our taxes are going to go up, thanks to the stupid federal government and Wall Street. Now this... NO, NO, NO!!!!! "

Freebie wrote on Oct 5, 2008 6:23 AM:

" This is a free ad for the override sponsored by the Herald. Are they going to do an article about why it isn't necessary to have an override, or what was accomplished by the last one? "

just me wrote on Oct 5, 2008 5:38 AM:

" Blah blah blah... I have not forgotten the first override that caught so many "yes" voters off-guard. Nothing's changed. Blah blah blah... Vote No! "