Log in

Opinion

Caputi: District overrides are essential to success of Scottsdale schools

Posted

As a business owner and Scottsdale City Councilwoman, I understand the intrinsic value good schools bring to our community, both in the foundations they provide to our neighborhoods and the educational experience they offer our students.

As the parent of three students currently attending our public schools, I am grateful for the educational and extracurricular opportunities our local school districts can provide.

In my two years on the Scottsdale City Council, I have worked with the superintendents of all three of our public-school districts — Scottsdale Unified School District, Paradise Valley Unified School District and Cave Creek Unified School District — to explore areas of mutual benefit between the city and our schools. 

We are separate entities, but we share the common goal of maximizing the quality of life for all our residents. Good schools translate to higher property values, and having a well-educated workforce allows us to recruit great companies who will provide high-paying jobs and revenue for our city to thrive. 

New businesses strengthen and diversify our economy, and keep our taxes among the lowest in the Valley.

We, as voters, can continue the excellence of our schools in SUSD, PVUSD, and CCUSD by voting yes on the district overrides. These overrides are essential for the continued success of our schools and thanks to the expanded tax base, approval in November is not expected to raise tax rates for taxpayers.

Passing the overrides will continue to help optimize class sizes, support academic and elective programs, and provide competitive salaries to retain veteran teachers. 

Capital override funds support technology, security, fine arts, athletics, libraries, playground equipment and shade structures to engage all students in world-class future-focused learning. Without them, the districts will face budget cuts. Our children, and ultimately our community, will suffer.

It is to all our benefit to support the schools in our communities. Please join me in voting yes to our school overrides and in proudly supporting all three of our local neighborhood school districts.

Look for your ballot after Oct. 12 or vote on Nov. 8.