Davis: What is that Scottsdale SUSD M&O override & why should I support it anyway?

Investors are pouring back into Scottsdale because they know the potential. Much of that enthusiasm for Scottsdale is due to our reputation for great schools.”

Tracey Davis

Scottsdale property value

In 2012, 5,194 single family homes sold in Scottsdale for an average of $512,565.

By 2014, the average jumped to $630,752 for more than a 20% increase in home value.

Fast forward another two years to 2016: The average moved up to $650,360.

By 2018, 5,349 homes sold for an average of $736,940 --- that’s another 13% increase in property value.

My name is Tracey Davis and I have been a Scottsdale resident and licensed Realtor for nearly 20 years.

Both of our children were born and are being raised here, and are now 12 and 13 years old.

When we initially entered the Scottsdale public school system, our intention was to follow what generations had done before --- proudly raise our children in our community school.

At the time, the entire country was still reeling from the “great recession.”

As a Realtor, the previous five years were full of short sales, foreclosures, and bank owned properties. But, starting around 2012, the national economy was starting to crawl and walk again.

What we didn’t realize then was that our state, municipality and schools were still suffering.

In the 2012 and 2013 Scottsdale special elections, the city and district attempted to “band-aid” the lack of taxpayer revenue via a vote for city bonds and SUSD M&O override ballots. All were rejected by voters.

At the time, Scottsdale residents expressed their intention for the city and our schools to “do more with less.” Combined with regressing state funding (that continues today), the resulting budget cuts for SUSD schools were drastic and had a direct impact on classrooms.

Between 2012-15, the resulting budget cuts caused teacher job loss, the near-doubling of some class sizes, freezes of teacher pay and (for the 2014-15 school year) forced schools to implement a one-day half day per week for elementary schools plus a slashing of “specials” across the board.

The hardship of providing care for elementary-age children and the disruption of their school schedule as well as school studies was felt by many.

Finally! Scottsdale residents passed the “first” Scottsdale Schools M&O override in 2014 and the district started a slow process of recovery.

This history bears repeating because it’s important to remember from where we’ve come before we take for granted where we are today.

Our district faces “competition” like never before for student enrollment, especially from the families that fled SUSD during the cut-backs.

With respect to the real estate market, the good news is (since 2012) home values have been steadily increasing. Homeowners are once again renovating.

Investors are pouring back into Scottsdale because they know the potential. Much of that enthusiasm for Scottsdale is due to our reputation for great schools.

The quality of schools is a also top question of every client of mine who is moving here with children.

A few statistics: In 2012, 5,194 single family homes sold in Scottsdale for an average of $512,565.

By 2014, the average jumped to $630,752 for more than a 20% increase in home value.

Fast forward another two years to 2016: The average moved up to $650,360.

By 2018, 5,349 homes sold for an average of $736,940 --- that’s another 13% increase in property value.

For another snapshot, in 2012, the lowest home sale was $65,000. By 2018, that number jumped to $168,000!

Similarly, on the ultra-upscale side of real estate, the highest ‘12 home sale was $8.2 million and in 2018 that number was $17.5 million.

These numbers clearly illustrate a few things about Scottsdale.

First, the numbers attest to the city’s diversity. Second, they point to continued investment by people who want to work, live and raise their children here. And, third, we still have much room to grow.

According to the site fedprimerate.com, the average U.S. home price in December of 2018 was just shy of $294,000.

On the flip side, school related property taxes have actually decreased each year for six years. Property taxes have stayed consistent, but the portion that is allotted to the district has steadily declined.

This year’s M&O override does not increase anyone’s property taxes by even a cent. It’s simply a continuation of what was approved in 2014 and requires renewal this November 2019.

Back to my family, we suffered through the increased class sizes and cuts to specials along with everyone else. But, we stayed and supported our schools in any way we could.

We voted yes in 2014 and since for education.

Backed the teacher walk-out.

On the flip side, we also started paying attention to the district’s actions and mis-actions through the mismanagement of monies by Dr. Birdwell and friends.

Thankfully, in the last year and a half, the district has happily flourished under Dr. Kriekard and the new Governing Board members.

SUSD is once again responsive to teachers and parents. We are once again headed in the right direction, and we all hope we never regress back to that place in time.

Currently the district is supporting the creation of more unique programs and specialties in our schools to better compete with private and charter schools.

There is reason to have faith in school building, renovations and additions in Scottsdale right now. The construction and renovation of schools, such as Cherokee and Hohokam also supports valuable jobs and boosts our economy.

In order for many more and future generations of “Native Arizonans” to be born and raised in our beloved city, we all need to support the sustainability and growth of Scottsdale schools.

By voting “yes” on the 2019 M&O override, you are simply continuing the progress of the last six years. To vote “no” is a statement that you do not care for this generation of students and teachers and those to come.

This is a vote for your children, your grandchildren, and all Scottsdale students.

Even if it’s a vote of self-interest, you will continue to see your property values rise as Scottsdale schools continue to improve and attract the families of new businesses coming to Scottsdale.

Either way, vote “yes” this coming November. It’s not a vote for new property taxes (there are none on this measure), it’s simply a commitment to continue our current level of investment into all of our future.

Editor’s Note: Tracey Davis is a Scottsdale resident and parent.