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By Jana Looby
Special to the Miner
The Oracle Elementary School District will have a Budget Override measure on the ballot this November. It is not a bond, but a continuation of the secondary property tax previously approved by local voters to make up for funding shortfalls created by the state of Arizona and Federal government. This funding is restricted to daily operational expenses and cannot be used for capital improvement. Continuation of this funding failed by 60 votes last year, which resulted in the district losing $140,000 in funding plus the $30,000 it costs to run an election. The cost per household in the district is from $2 to $5 per month and due to several factors, a “yes” vote for continuation of this locally controlled funding will not increase property taxes.
The Oracle School Board, the new superintendent and the staff have focused diligently on improving efficiency, while analyzing current operations for sustainability and striving for an improved return on investment. Last year, they worked very hard to make ends meet and reduced expenses by $420,000 by:
– Cutting Administrative Staff by 30 percent
– Reducing general staffing b7 10 percent
– Eliminating Art and music programs
– Shortening Pre-K to two days a week
– Dropping the 3-year-old preschool program
– Redrawing bus routes and reducing expenses
– Trimming operating expenses wherever possible
This year, Pre-K and Kindergarten programs were moved to the Mountain Vista campus. With a capital cost of $70,000, the improved effectiveness and efficiency will save approximately $40,000 per year in M&O and allow a more robust program for these young learners. The governing board is also in negotiations to lease a portion of the Oracle Ridge campus to a day care provider, which will provide funds for needed improvements to the Mountain Vista campus.
A yes vote for the M&O Override would allow the District to:
– Maintain current moderate class size
– Preserve the Physical Education program
– Reinstate a music program
– Enhance the ability to attract and keep quality teachers
– Ensure continued professional development of teachers
– Retain pre-advance placement courses in junior high
Good schools are the start of good communities. They create a sense of pride and ownership in the community, not only for partners and stakeholders, but also for the students themselves. Good schools draw people to the area and can get community members and parents involved. This creates a nurturing environment for the kids and helps them to become productive, capable members of society.
Paid for by the Support Oracle Schools PAC
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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