As a registered voter, you recently received your mail in ballot for the Nov. 4 election.

This election is critically important to the Dysart Unified School District, the communities of Surprise and El Mirage and the other areas that the District serves. It is also critically important to the families and senior citizens in the District.

As a past city manager in Surprise and grandparent to three district students, I support the bond and overrride and will vote yes.

Without quality K-12 education serving us, we lose opportunities in job growth, growing a business within the district, the potential for our area decaying and decreasing property values with the businesses we depend on leaving our area. Without quality K12 education, Surprise becomes less attractive to Luke Air Force Base personnel transferring to the Base because the district does not provide the educational programs and facilities that Air Force families desire.

The passage of these measures provides students opportunities and safety. Opportunities in science, technology, engineering, math and other subject areas in updated and secure, safe facilities.

The quality of life in Surprise, El Mirage and surrounding areas within the Dysart district is dependent on the passage of these measures. The growth and development of our students is a responsibility we all share. K12 education is critically important to the health and well-being of our area, state and country.

Please vote yes for the bond and override. This small investment in pennies will return dividends necessary to our future.

Bill Pupo is a former city manager of Surprise. Submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.