By Steve Stockmar
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The Deer Valley Unified School District governing board will vote whether or not to put on the ballot a renewal of the 15% M&O Override to remain competitive in per pupil funding.

A citizen’s advisory committee is recommending the new bond authorization in the amount of $325 million to provide for district needs. Election Day falls on Nov. 5.

The board will consider, discuss, amend if desired, and perhaps adopt a resolution ordering and calling for the election. Also, the board may move to set an Aug. 9 deadline for residents to submit arguments "For" and "Against" the ballot measure to the Maricopa County School Superintendent.

The DVUSD board will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 in the boardroom located at 20402 N. 15th Ave., in Phoenix. The meeting is also streamed live online on the district’s YouTube page.

According to Deputy Superintendent Jim Migliorino, who will present the information Tuesday, the existing 15% budget authorization will be reduced by one-third as required by state law in fiscal year 2025/2026 and another one-third in fiscal year 2026/2027. It will terminate thereafter, unless the authorization is renewed by voters in the school district.

MORE: Click here to register to vote in Maricopa County

The Bond/Override Citizen's Advisory Committee recommends the action to:

• Continue to pay a portion (approximately 8.5%) of all M&O salaries
• Maximum class size to remain unchanged (would otherwise increase +3)
• Continue full-day kindergarten and other specialized programs for students
• Continue to support extracurricular activities for students
• Continue to provide counselors and support services staff
• Continue to provide a portion (10%) of school and department budgets

The committee adds that the new bond would provide for, among other things, a new elementary school plus, in the first phase, a new high school.

Instructional-related needs include building renovations, technology infrastructure, and K-6 library modernizations, plus facility replacements and upgrades. Transportation needs include bus replacements.

Prior to the Tuesday night board meeting, at 6 p.m. there will be an awards and recognition segment where students will be honored for academic and athletic achievements.

Steve Stockmar
News Editor | Sun Life Magazine & Arts & Entertainment YourValley.net

sstockmar@iniusa.org

Meet Steve
Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.

Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.

Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.

Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.

Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.