As a current school board member, former Cave Creek teacher and long-time resident whose son graduated from CSHS, I am asking you to vote YES for the CCUSD M&O Override on the upcoming ballot.
Why vote yes? So many reasons. 1) Cave Creek Unified has “done more with less” for far too long. And it is no longer possible. The district is out of bandages to cover needed financial moves, 2) We have incredible students that deserve the best we can give them, 3) our loyal teachers are being stretched to their limits and are leaving, 4) We are property rich with THE lowest tax rates in AZ – we can and should be willing to help our community school district, 5) The Additional Education Tax (Equalization tax) has been eliminated – making this override tax increase less than what we were paying before, 6) Quality teachers – Teacher of the Year awardees in neighboring districts – that WANT to come to CCUSD (where they graduated) can’t afford to make the move, 7) Despite budget constraints, CCUSD teachers and students perform incredibly – AASA results for CCUSD show we far outperform state averages, 8) Our neighboring districts are paying teachers far more than we can BECAUSE they have overrides in place, 9) CCUSD is the only unified school district in Maricopa County without a bond or override, 10) better schools = better students = better workforce = better home values.
While I can’t fathom voting NO against our students and teachers, there are those that are bound and determined to vote against any tax hike. Reminder: CCUSD = highest property values in AZ + lowest tax rate in AZ. Think most everyone here can afford a few bucks a month to help our schools. Your property values will thank you.
Finally, there is a small contingent that is beating the “Vote No!” drum in Cave Creek. Be aware that what they pass along on social media is filled with animosity and misinformation. It is not to be trusted by anyone. You have questions or concerns? Contact the district. Email the board members.
Talk to school principals and teachers. They will give you truths. Facebook and other platforms of social media have no interest in truth. They speak of taxes and transparency – but these are covers for their desire to do harm to CCUSD because of their own personal agendas. Do not believe it.
Cave Creek Unified School District has been delivering the goods for its stakeholders for years. They believe in transparency and putting students and teachers first. Join me in supporting this incredible school district by voting YES to the M&O Override.
Jeff Fortney
Cave Creek
