M&O override means less teachers, same number of non‑teaching personnel

In response to Nicola Morton’s recent letter to the editor on CCUSD overrides, we do not believe that all the facts have been presented.

First, state law (ARS 15‑511) says that a person acting on behalf of a school district shall not use school district personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or other resources for the purpose of influencing the outcome of elections. The “Budget 101” presentations, given 15 times on CCUSD property by CCUSD administrators, certainly would not fit the information reports allowed by another state law (ARS 15‑481) in public meetings during an election period.

Second, as regards Nicola Morton’s comments as to the legality of the “Budget 101” presentations given before the override was voted on, state attorney general guidelines would differ. They say that the phrase “influencing the outcome of election” also applies to activities leading up to qualifying ballot measures, including attempts to qualify a measure for the ballot.

Did CCUSD tell this president of the CSHS parent‑teachers organization that the district has about 100 more non‑teaching personnel than teachers among its employees ? And, yet, they want to furlough only teachers if the Maintenance & Operations override does not pass. Does the district need more administrators, directors, managers, specialists, etc.? Does CCUSD need 10 food service managers to supervise 19 food service employees? We wonder.

About half of any district M&O override would probably be spent on non‑classroom activities, notes the state auditor general in several reports to the state legislature. Thus, of the nearly $20 million override ($2.78 million for seven years) sought by CCUSD, about $9‑10 million would be used to fund non‑classroom activities.

We urge Nicola Morton to ask more questions of the CCUSD administration, including why they need more people in the non‑teaching ranks. In the past several years, student enrollment increased about 7 percent while non‑teaching positions rose by nearly 34 percent. This includes a 700 percent increase (from 4 to 31) in community service representatives/ resource workers. What do they teach?

We urge district taxpayers to vote NO on CCUSD’s M&O override.

Marti Marino Chairperson, Take Back Control of Our Schools (PAC)along Cave Creek Road and let your eyes tell the story. Take a look at the Home Depot Shopping Center Complex on Carefree Highway and again let your eyes reveal the lack of sensitivity of Phoenix development. Visit the intersection of I‑17 and Carefree Highway and view the densities. This is Phoenix at its  finest. 

I bear Ms. Marsolo no ill will. This is not a personal vendetta. This is about the economic and environmental future of Cave Creek. Phoenix is moving north; we must protect ourselves or we will be overrun.

George A. Ross
Cave Creek