District schools are not just buildings or data spreadsheets—it is the occupants who give those buildings life, especially, the kids. Take one step inside and you will understand why we fight for kids’ best interests. If we value our kids, then we must value those teachers and staff who educate and “care for” our kids. When I served in CCUSD, I considered your kids to be in “my care.” Whether only for a day as a substitute or on a team of professionals in a Special Education classroom, I cared for your kids, felt responsible for their learning, their happiness, and their safety.
Why do I vote for overrides? The answer is simple—because it is in kids’ best interests.
Passing CCUSD’s override ultimately rewards the kids, but a “Yes” vote also rewards you. Because a strong, successful school district rewards everyone in the community—from higher property values and a well-educated workforce, to stronger community relationships.
A no vote means kids will ultimately suffer. An override is the funding mechanism the Legislature authorized to expand school budgets for salaries. Our kids deserve to have the best teachers CCUSD can retain and attract. Without the override, CCUSD cannot continue to compete with surrounding school districts and risks losing this talent to districts who pay more. CCUSD is still a top 10 district in Arizona, academically, and has been doing more with less for years.
When my daughter started Kindergarten, we lived within CCUSD’s boundaries. A few years later, we moved to the west side of Cave Creek, just outside the CCUSD boundary, in another school district. In 2019, when this district sought an override, I voted “Yes”–even though I worked at Black Mountain Elementary School and my daughter attended 6th grade. Even when she is off to college and we are empty nesters, I will still vote for school overrides. Why? Because it is in kids’ best interests—no matter where they live.
Nicole Seder Cantelme
Cave Creek Resident
