From Curtis Finch Jr., PhD 

Just the Facts

Joe Friday, the famous fictional detective from the “Dragnet” TV show in the 1950s used to say, “Just the facts, ma'am,” when he would interview female suspects. He wanted to just get to the heart of the case without the extra editorial. The facts are always the most important component when solving a case. The Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) has a Bond and Override request on the November ballot and you can get all of the facts at www.dvusd.org/Bond or www.dvusd.org/override. Bonds and Overrides are two ways that local taxpayers can support their local community school district, which accepts all students regardless of faith, background, nationality, discipline record, academic level, or special needs/disabilities and strives to meet their individual needs. Since Arizona is 49^th in the nation for public school tax-payer support, Bonds and Overrides have become essential pieces for a community school district’s survival.

There are a few crucial facts that need to be emphasized to make sure you know what you are voting on this November 5^th. First, the national research says that when local public schools are strong, four things happen: 1) crime rates decrease; 2) property values increase; 3) the future workforce develops; and 4) community connections increase. Second, there are two issues on the ballot, the Bond and the Override, and each serves a different purpose. Lastly, and most importantly, both the DVUSD Bond and Override passage will not be a tax increase.

Two-thirds of the DVUSD Bond is dedicated to the maintenance, upkeep, and renewal of current district community assets. We have 42 schools and over 4200 employees, and we stretch all the way from New River to Bell Road and from 7^th Street out to the lake; one of the largest land mass districts in the state of Arizona. The Bond will support the repair of roofs, air conditioning units, painting, carpeting, and upgrades in technology, busses, and student safety. One-third of the Bond will begin the 10-year project of preparing for the population explosion brought on by the construction of $65 billion in plants by the world’s largest microchip manufacturing company, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). There will be $7 billion worth of residential and commercial development built right around the factory in the first seven years, which is just Phase One. The next phases will develop over time with the potential for 10,000 students over the next fifteen years.

The Override, a testament to our community's enduring commitment, has been supporting DVUSD since 1991, over thirty years. This invaluable financial support, which we can all be proud of, pays for 8% of all employee salaries, free all-day Kindergarten, athletic and fine arts support, and instructional materials.

The results of our community’s support can be seen in our athletic, fine arts, and academic accolades DVUSD receives annually. To see these #extraordinary awards go to www.dvusd.org/extraordinary. Now you have “Just the facts” on the DVUSD Bond and Override. 

Feel free to follow me on Twitter or Instagram @DrFinchDVUSD as the school year continues, and I showcase the DVUSD difference - our students, schools, staff, and community!

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