Log in

Guest Commentary

Pabis & Gulick: Supporting school override based on our own SUSD education

Posted

As graduates of Saguaro and Chaparral respectively, we have lots of friendly rivalry when it comes to who had the best experience in high school — and which football team is better.

As business and community leaders, we know that our experience in SUSD was unrivaled. It prepared us for our respective careers and provided a solid foundation for our future academic, personal, and professional success.

And that is why we enthusiastically support the Scottsdale Unified School District’s Additional Assistance override on the ballot next week. For those who do not know what a DAA override is, it is simple: The override must be approved by voters every seven years for SUSD to continue receiving above state funding.

The DAA provides funds equipment for athletics, fine arts and other programs that enhance the world class future-focused education that our community expects from SUSD. It will also fund upgrades to and shade structures for playgrounds and technology for both learning in the classroom and security on the campuses. And it will provide curriculum for STEAM (Science, Technology, Arts and Math) programs in the district.

We know that the DAA override funding will benefit students, and it benefits residents and the community too. Maintaining quality schools helps increase property values and enhance our neighborhoods, not to mention boosting Scottsdale’s economy. Businesses and families move here every day. Quality SUSD schools often factor into those decisions to relocate here, which makes the school district one of the primary economic engines in our city.

The DAA override is an investment in our schools, our students, our neighborhoods, and our economy. Join us in voting yes for the DAA Override.

Editor’s Note: Michelle Pabis (Class of 1997, Saguaro) and Melinda Gulick (Class of 1991, Chaparral) are public school moms who serve together on the board of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and The Charro Foundation. Michelle is the vice president, government & community affairs for HonorHealth and serves on the board of the Arizona Chamber, Community Celebrating Diversity, and NOAH. Melinda Gulick is the chief executive officer of First Things First and serves as the co-chair of the Yes to Children campaign and in leadership for Read on Arizona and Together for Arizona.