Sierra Vista Community of Excellence Committee (SVCEC)

view Our Brochure View Our Brochure   Watch the Commercial Watch Our Commercial  
Dispelling the Myths Concerning the Sierra Vista Public School Budget Override
And the Facts Concerning Education in Arizona
Myth - This override is just another excuse to raise property taxes again to pay for the school districts inability to manage their budget.
The Facts – The school district in not permitted to legally spend more than the spending limited dictated to the school district by the state legislature. If overspending as a result of mismanagement were to occur, those expenses would come from the next year’s budget and NOT from the tax payer or override funds. A budget override is used to fund programs, reduce class sizes, and provide supplies to students. Due to chronic underfunding from the state, the district is forced to request an override in order to maintain core programs such as art, music, and PE, at their current levels.
Myth - The override is going to greatly increase my property taxes.
The Facts – This override will NOT increase taxes from the current levels. In fact, the district is requesting a decrease from 10% to 9%. If passed, the override will cost a taxpayer with a home assessed at $200,000, approximately $131.60 per year. That is less than $11 per month (less than $0.37 per day) to ensure our children have a well rounded education that consists of Art, Music, and PE as well as providing school counselors and librarians. That’s actually a tax savings from the current override.
Myth - The State and Federal Government pay enough to fund education.

The Facts – State equalization currently only funds 54% of the amount the district is allowed to spend on its operations and maintenance budget (near the bottom in the country for state aid).  Federal Impact Aid (funds from Ft. Huachuca for students to attend Sierra Vista Schools) only funds an addition 2%.  Cochise County and the City of Sierra Vista provide no aid from their budgets to help fund education.
Revenue

Myth – The override money will be used for pay raises, administration costs, and a bonus for the superintendent.
The Facts – The current override (as well as the proposed override) funds 56 teacher, librarian, and counselor positions at the elementary, middle, and high schools. It does not fund additional raises for teachers or administration and nobody will get a bonus as a result of the override passing. The breakdown of what is currently funded (and what we stand to lose) follows:
  • Elementary
    • 6 Art Teachers
    • 6 Music Teachers
    • 5 PE Teachers
    • 1 Band Rider
    • 4 All Day Kindergarten Teachers
    • 9 All Day Kindergarten Teachers Aides
    • 2 Kinder Step Teachers
    • 1 Kinder Step Teacher Aid
    • 1 First Grade Teacher
    • 1 Fourth Grade Teacher
    • 3 Librarians
    • 3 Counselors
  • Middle School
    • 2 Math/Reading Teachers
    • 1 Art Specialist Teacher
    • 2 Counselors
    • 1 Librarian
  • High School
    • 2 Math Teachers
    • 1 Art Teacher
    • 1.2 Drama Teachers
    • 1 Band Teacher
    • 2 Counselors
    • 1 Librarian
Myth – The School District conducts its business in secret.
The Facts – The school district is required by law to disclose all of its dealings. We encourage anyone with questions regarding the override to get them answered directly by contacting the district Superintendent, Brett Agenbroad. E-mail: superintendent@svps.k12.az.us or telephone: (520)515-2701.
Myth – Sierra Vista is one of the few school districts that requires an override to meet its financial needs.
The Facts – 83% (or 40 out of 48) districts in Arizona with 5,000 students or more are operating on M&O and/or K-3 overrides. The Sierra Vista Public School District has approximately 6800 students. (source: http://www.azsba.org) This high number again illustrates the state-wide education funding crisis.
Myth – Times are tight, given the recent economic slowdown, and the District has taken no measures to reduce its spending.
The Facts – Since July 1st, 2008, Superintendent, Brett Agenbroad has made cuts saving approximately $267,000 by implementing strict policies, revamping transportation, eliminating positions, and cutting costs on utilities, just to name a few. Even with these cuts, it is still not enough to fund the programs our children need for a well rounded education, so the override must pass to ensure a quality education for our children.
Download the Brochure Here.
Return to Main Page.