If you are a registered early
voter, you should have received your ballot in the mail last week. For those
who prefer to vote in person Nov. 8, this is going to be an important election
for Arizona – beyond the national election.
Many school districts have
school bond overrides and bond packages on the ballot. Some voters who live in
apartments don’t think this affects them because they don’t directly pay
property taxes. While this is true, the home values in your area and the
schools in your area are directly affected. Savvy parents who rent often choose
their community based on the school districts.
The bonds may fund new
schools, building improvements, technology or transportation. Overrides give
schools additional funding for programs and classrooms. Maintenance and
operations overrides can be used for teacher salaries, supplies and regular
operations. Some districts have overrides for technology, furniture and equipment.
Check your voter guide to learn more about these ballot measures.
Whether or not you have
children in that local district, there are important reasons to care about your
local schools. Local schools can enhance or protect property values and the neighborhood
they serve. Great schools can attract new businesses and more home and employer
investments in neighbors.
“Down ballot” races can be
overlooked in the frenzy of the national campaigns. First Things First hosts a
guide to school and college bond and override elections where you can gather
more information. Go to
http://www.expectmorearizona.org/study/bonds-overrides/.
Please don’t skip these
school ballot measures! Your local school district’s website also likely has
information and more specifics about what will be funded.
While some of these national
races may be discouraging, there’s nothing more hopeful and impactful to our
everyday lives that these local elections.