Bell: Join Redfield PTO in supporting SUSD override

Recently the Redfield Elementary Parent Teacher Organization Board voted unanimously to actively support the upcoming SUSD District Additional Assistance Override (sometimes called the Capitol Override or DAA Override).

We did so after careful consideration but with full understanding that, for the sake of our kids and our school, we have to advocate for the passage of this ballot issue.

Arizona public schools already receive more than $4,000 less per student than the national average. On top of that, if the DAA Override does not pass, SUSD will be forced to cut more than $7 million from the budget over the next two years. Our students are currently benefiting from the 2016 override, which pays for things like science kits, library resources, music equipment, STEAM resources, athletic equipment, theater equipment, furniture for the classrooms, technology (like all the kids’ laptops) for learning and security, and playground and shade structures.

If the override does not pass, our students and families will pay the price. We all benefit from the amazing education provided to our children from the teachers and staff at Redfield and all the schools in SUSD. We cannot ignore the severity of a budget cut to our school.

Additionally, this will not only impact our students, it will impact every PTO.

Without the continued funding of the override, our school will rely more heavily on donations from parents to the PTO. This is a burden many in our community — especially our teachers — cannot carry.

The purpose of the Redfield PTO is to directly support the Redfield students, faculty, and staff. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, our bylaws govern how we accomplish that purpose. One way is “to encourage partnerships within the community that support and promote a successful learning environment.”

Another is “offering ongoing community communications” to parents to help them “become actively involved in the education of their children.” That is what we are doing here and now.

We are not taking a political stance in favor of a candidate or party. We are urging all the parents at Redfield and in Scottsdale to support passage of the DAA Override when voting begins Oct. 13 via mail-in ballots or in-person on election day on Nov. 8.

The PTO has endorsed the Yes for Children campaign in order to protect the great education our students deserve. Passing the DAA Override provides SUSD with funding stability for the next seven years. It is up to us to advocate for our children’s education and for a strong Scottsdale. Please join the PTO in loudly supporting passage of the DAA Override!