By Cindy Barnes, Ed.S, Chandler
I am writing in response to Jim C.'s June 28 letter "Chandler school finance story shows reporter’s bias."
I appreciate your article and especially liked the statement "...people are tired of public entities gouging themselves on our hard-earned money while the taxpayers are cutting their budgets just to make ends meet".
I don't think there is anything partisan/nonpartisan about public entities spending. It is the duty of public entities to closely monitor spending other people's money.
The district should optimize its current budget by evaluating expenses, reallocating funds, and seeking cost-saving measures.
Furthermore, I am insulted when a board member tells us that bonds do not increase our tax burden.
Relying on a bond undermines financial management accountability. The district must demonstrate effective fund usage, transparent reporting, and clear success benchmarks.
Lana Berry’s 2024 Bond (Committee) Study presentation listed the items for the bond as: Land, new construction, and improvements / renovations; furniture, equipment, and technology; and pupil transportation. Why is this needed when enrollment is declining and CUSD has such a large reserve?
The (May 2024) presentation’s largest item was $416,498,000 for (the categeoy called) land, new construction, and improvements – despite declining enrollments.
CUSD needs to stop talking to us as if we are ignorant and work within their means.
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