Maloney: Dysart district students deserve continuing tax

This year, the Dysart Unified School District will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It is amazing to think how much our community has grown and changed over a century.

All along, our local school district has been a part of it, offering quality education for the children in our community. The district now has more than 24,000 pre-school through 12th grade students in 20 K-8 schools, four high schools, a preschool, and an alternate program. The district now spans a massive 140 square miles. 

The growth and success of our community is due, in part, because of Dysart’s excellence as a school district. Eight of Dysart’s schools have earned an A+ School of Excellence designation from the Arizona Educational Foundation. In all, 17 schools hold a rating of A or B from the State Board of Education and the district maintains a 94% graduation rate. We have 53 National Board Certified Teachers, a prestigious certification that only 3% of the nation’s teachers hold.

The Northwest Valley is one of the fastest growing communities in the United States with significant employment growth because people and businesses want to locate in areas with outstanding schools. Our community is among the safest in the greater Phoenix area. Our property values continue to soar.

We need to vote yes on the Dysart override continuation to ensure that our community continues to head in the right direction. 

First and foremost, the override is not a tax increase — it is a continuation of the local funding that has been in place since 2000. It is used to fund teacher pay and other critical needs. Voting “yes” protects critical funding to support attracting and retaining teachers, keeping class sizes small, classroom resources for reading and math, and other programs. 

For 20 years, I taught kindergarten, third grade, and most recently taught fifth-grade science and social studies in Dysart. I was truly honored to be named Arizona’s 2014 Teacher of the Year and appreciated having the opportunity to represent the teachers of Arizona. I know firsthand the importance of the local support that an override provides — it was clearly conveyed to me and every other teacher how much of our pay was dependent on its existence. Teachers view it as a commitment from the community they serve. 

Sadly, I also am well acquainted with the fact that without the override renewal, the district will be forced to cut millions from their budget — leading to teacher and staff layoffs. It has actually happened before in Dysart. In 2014, 146 teachers were cut when the override election was defeated and $6 million — including school band had to be eliminated. As a parent and employee, it was devastating. Thankfully, the community could see the value investing in our local schools could be and the override passed the following year allowing the district to recover and thrive.

One of the best examples of that recovery is Dysart’s great strides in training our future workforce. Dysart is leading the way to educate a quality, competitive workforce to support our area’s long-term success.

Last year, more students than ever took the college entrance exams, earning Dysart a place on the AP District Honor Roll for significant gains in student access and success. District schools are also developing unique signature programs in STEAM, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and broadcasting. 

For 100 years, Dysart has been a good neighbor and the cornerstone in providing resources for our families. A “yes” vote means protecting our quality of life. A “yes” vote protects property values and reduces crime. A “yes” vote does all of this without raising taxes. A “yes” vote to continue the Dysart override is a “yes” vote for our community. 

Editor’s Note: Beth Maloney is chairwoman of the “Yes For Dysart” group.