Opinion : Writer misses points on education : Sierra Vista, AZ
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Writer misses points on education


Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Nov 30, 2008 - 05:15:32 am MST

To the Editor:

I would like to respond to Sally Acevedo’s letter to the editor that was published in the Nov. 20 edition of the Sierra Vista Herald. Ms Acevedo’s letter was a response to a letter to the editor authored by Stephen M. Wilson, a Buena High School graduate and college student, published in the Nov. 14 Herald/Review. Acevedo’s letter said she was “more than a bit dismayed by the idealistic and narrow view he holds, enhanced by his limited experience and youth” about Wilson’s opinion of the school budget override.

I am more than a bit appalled by the selfishness and mean-spiritedness of Acevedo’s letter.


First, every child in America is entitled to a free and appropriate education that is supported by American taxpayers for more than 150 years. Section 11 of the Arizona Constitution written in 1910 specifies this right and grants the legislature the power to tax Arizonans “to insure the proper maintenance of all state educational institutions, and shall make such special appropriations as shall provide for their development and improvement.”

This entitlement educated such people as Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Ava Edison, J.P. Morgan, Andrew Carnegie and developed an educated work force in the late 19th century that led the United States to become the world’s greatest industrial power during the second industrial revolution. The GI Bill of Rights provided a free college education to the soldiers of World War II to thank them for their service to our country. This law made it possible for people who would have become clerks and farmers to become leaders in the fields of science, engineering, medicine and many others. The free education of our children is the great engine that puts money in everybody’s pocket and gave Americans the highest standard of living in the world.

What bothers me the most is Acevedo’s stinginess. People like her refuse to pay the costs to support their standard of living. Could Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman defeat the Germans and Japanese during World War II, if they followed the current Republican model of financing the government — cutting taxes to the rich. The people of Acevedo’s parents and grandparents generation sacrificed their blood, lives and money — paying much higher taxes — so America could win World War II. Without everybody sacrificing together, Bush cannot bring Osama bin Laden to justice.

I also want to ridicule what Acevedo finds as a burden. Looking at my 2008-2009 tax bill, I find that my taxes for Sierra Vista school district and Buena High School went down this year from $488.52 (40.71 per month) to $434.38 ($36.20 per month). I feel that number is ridiculously low, and I see how my daughter’s education is adversely affected every day.

There are a lot more things I can say about this subject, but I will end here.

Bob Carpenter

Sierra Vista

Copyright © 2009 The Sierra Vista Herald


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    What will be cut wrote on Dec 2, 2008 12:48 PM:

    " I grow tired of the supporters of this override saying that we all should support the override because the youth today will be our doctors and lawyers yadda yadda... So tell me what will be cut because this override didn't pass? Math? Science? English? From what I have heard it will be the extracurricular programs that will have to be cut (if any). Most of the doctors and lawers today didn't have half the extracurricular programs that kids have today, so you may want to try a new excuse. "

    first svian wrote on Dec 2, 2008 7:58 AM:

    " It is not a matter of whether one supports or does not support education, it is a matter that the school board learn to live within a budget as all the rest of us do on a daily basis. Wouldn't it be nice if every time we needed more money we could just ask our employers for an override? The school board and you supporters of an override need to look up the definition of the word budget. "

    Stupid People pay the Bills wrote on Dec 2, 2008 6:57 AM:

    " What a nice thing to say about taxpayers who are currently supporting the educational system! Just because people don't roll over and empty their wallets when you determine it is needed doesn't make them stupid. On the other hand, maybe it is time for a grass roots movement to change the way schools are funded. I'd support a movement to place the burden Fully on the parents of students. That way you would only have yourselves to blame for stupidity. You lost, get on with finding alternative funding! "

    To Bob wrote on Dec 1, 2008 9:58 AM:

    " Of course, Bob, you are correct. But don't think that you'll be able to convince the hoards of ignorant and hateful people in this community. There are those who agree with you, but you'll never persuade those who are simply too stupid to understand what's at stake. We'll just have to get more of the people who support education to the polls next time. "

    Independent wrote on Nov 30, 2008 6:14 PM:

    " Mr. Carpenter, we agree on a free public education system and a shared responsibility to pay for this education. We differ, however, on what constitutes "education". For example, I don't define education as transporting students to/from school. That's an optional activity costing this district over $2 million/year. Special needs students cost about $6 million/year (more per child than allocated to general education students)and includes door-to-door transportation! I think my responsibility to educate your and others' children begins at the classroom door. And as for what is a "burden", that's for each of us to decide without ridicule. "

    I agree with P. Abel wrote on Nov 30, 2008 5:36 PM:

    " What a novel idea, all the override supporters say that the school taxes are low and an extra few bucks a month is well worth it. I will manage that bank account, for all that want to donate for the extra's at the school, and hire a few asst. managers, if there is enough money to do so. If there isn't enough for the hiring of more asst. mgrs., I will ask for bigger donations. "

    Charge tuition to illegals wrote on Nov 30, 2008 10:38 AM:

    " Well Bobby if you see an adverse impact to your daughters education every day then you'd better take it up with the school board and not the taxpayers. The SVUSD is still receiving the funds from the previous override. Your exaggerations have moved me deeply but the truth of the matter is that your fight is with the State and not local home owners. If the district built a new HS, I'd support the bond to build that HS. The state would fund that HS the same as they're funding Buena. Overcrowding and O&M funding solved. "

    P. Abel wrote on Nov 30, 2008 10:04 AM:

    " Get over it Bob. As someone said below, no one is stopping you from giving more money to the school system. I've said over and over in these comment sections, someone (maybe you Bob) needs to open a bank account so all the parents and anyone with extra money can start filling it up. If all the pro overriders donate the extra money they apparently have, problem solved. "

    move on wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:38 AM:

    " The local schools aren't going to close. Get real. You see "adversely" everyday? Well the override is in place now and apparently it doesn't please you either. Just what amount would please you (pro-overriders)? You are concerned about "mean-spiritedness"? I guess you missed the letter by the 8th grader. But I suspect you are only concerned with meanness when it suits your needs. "

    Mikey wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:29 AM:

    " Mr. Carpenter. Since the AZ constitution says the legislature is responsible for education then it seems your beef is with the State legislature. Did you send them the letter? Have you talked with your recently elected/reelected state legislators? Just how is your daughter’s education adversely affected every day? Provide some facts to your statement. Thanks "

    Truth wrote on Nov 30, 2008 9:05 AM:

    " Well said, Mr. Carpenter! An excellent argument. Thank you!! "

    Pony Up Cowboy wrote on Nov 30, 2008 6:11 AM:

    " Bob, no one is stopping you from donating more to the school system beyond your "ridiculously low" tax you are currently paying. You said it yourself when quoting the state law that the state legislators should be blamed for inadequate funding. If all the pro overriders pitched in as they claim is needed, there wouldn't be a funded shortage. Yeah, you made your point, but public education continues. People are tired of the never ending more, more, more! Go protest at the state capitol, not the local neighborhood. Be sure to give more! "

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