Coming up this November, residents of Maricopa County are tasked with deciding on the approval of bonds and override proposals from various school districts, choosing their school board members, and selecting the county school superintendent. The implications of these decisions cannot be underestimated; they directly control the financial veins that keep our schools functional and determine the policy route our education system will take.
Throughout the campaign, the Arizona Republic’s K-12 education team has been tirelessly covering these important education-based elections. This coverage provides an invaluable resource that can guide voters to make informed decisions about the future direction of our schools. Each year, the Republic sends out a survey to the potential school board candidates, inquiring about their policy stances, with their responses accessible to the public to promote transparency.
On one’s doorstep around Maricopa County, there are more than 150 competitors vying for a seat at the table of various school boards, spread across over 30 school districts. Interesting to note, however, is that elections for 81 seats were unsubstantiated due to the lack of candidates, leaving 72 seats to be filled by appointments while nine seats are likely to remain empty. Credit for filling these voids goes to Maricopa County School Superintendent’s Office.
The school board members’ job description is far from trivial. They are tasked with critical duties such as formulating district policies, administering and ensuring enforcement of the district budget, fulfilling superintendent vacancies, approving educational resources, and managing the various school properties—including the opening and closure of schools.
In this coming year, nearly 30 school districts have indicated plans to seek the approval of voters for bonds or budget overrides—precursors to financial augmentations exceeding their base budgets from the state. This process involves homeowners in the district indirectly funding these proposals through secondary property taxes. The window for district resolutions calling for a bond or override election was left open until July 8th, by the Maricopa County school superintendent.
A school district bond is essentially a form of debt obligation. Voters, by their approval, infuse their faith into these bonds, which are then sold to investors who are paid back with interest. The funds raised from bonds are typically earmarked for capital expenditures involving building upgrades, new constructions, safety and security enhancements, purchasing of buses, and other technological investments. Overrides, on the other hand, allow for a budget increase of up to 15% for a seven-year duration, used to cover operational expenses.
For the voters casting their ballots in 2024, they might see maintenance and operations overrides, destined for things like teacher salaries and student programs. Another type of override, district additional assistance overrides, are designed to supplement capital funding, often covering costs such as technology, curriculum, and instructional materials, along with additional equipment expenses.
Now let’s talk about the fight for the role of Maricopa County school superintendent—a tussle between Republican Shelli Boggs and Democrat Laura Metcalfe. As gatekeepers of our children’s education, the school superintendent holds profound responsibilities such as the oversight of school board elections, bond and override elections, record management for homeschools and private schools, and the appointment of personnel to vacant positions on the school board.
A notable mention here is the Maricopa County Regional School District, under the control of the county school superintendent. This district caters to students awaiting court hearings in county custody and students from Hope High School—a hub for students who veered off the conventional paths of education, necessitating an alternative approach to their educational journey.
The torch of the Maricopa County school superintendent has been held by Republican Steve Watson since 2017. Watson, unfortunately, didn’t make it through the Republican primary this year, leaving a void for new leadership.
The process of appointing school board members isn’t without its challenges. The Maricopa County School Superintendent’s Office, formerly under Watson, was audited and found to be operating with over a dozen financial discrepancies, including fund mismanagement and a contentious property sale.
A sharp contrast to Watson’s stewardship is his Republican primary challenger, Shelli Boggs. While Watson’s tenure was marred by scandal and financial blunders, Boggs presents a confident, poised alternative who is committed to championing the quality of education in Maricopa County. A vote for Boggs is a vote for a fresh start and a new direction for the school board.
Not so impressive is Democrat Laura Metcalfe, another candidate for the school board. Metcalfe, like Boggs, is a school board member for the East Valley Institute of Technology. However, under her watch, the institute failed to adhere to best practices and requirements when allocating a whopping $85.9 million for educational enhancement programs. This oversight led to an increased risk of errors, potential fraud, and data loss—a scenario clearly demonstrating the lack of efficiency expected from a Democrat-led initiative.
As voters, we carry the responsibility to critically analyze each candidate’s potential and to question their ability to manage the money and policy decisions that shape our children’s education. Novembers’ ballot will decide the direction of education in Maricopa County; let’s ensure we let responsible and efficient leaders take consign over our children’s future.
Maricopa County School Board Elections: A Promising Push for Republicans, A Nightmare for Democrats appeared first on Real News Now.