Lawrence: Throwing things that don’t stick on the wall

Desperate to discredit Mayor Ginny Dickey, the latest claim is that she “saw the decline of the Fountain Hills School District during her tenure on the school board.”

I was teaching for the Fountain Hills School District during that time. The facts are different. Mayor Dickey was a school board member during formative years when our district was flourishing and growing. She served two terms, from 1994 until 2002.

During that time, the high school opened in 1995. McDowell Mountain School added a kindergarten wing and playgrounds. Four Peaks School added a third grade wing and a media center. The district passed bonds to build Fountain Hills Middle School and Dickey attended State Trust Land meetings to secure the site.

The focus was on curricular development, hiring two superintendents during her terms: Dr. Maria Menconi and Dr. Marian Hermie. During this time, the district became known for academic excellence. Mayor Dickey was instrumental in ensuring the Boys & Girls Club transitioned from the original school district offices to the current, well-appointed, and well attended facility. All this during the state’s decrease in funding and the rise of charter schools. 

From 1994 to 2002, enrollment grew from 2,099 to 2,600 students, the budget from $6,500,000 to $20,000,000 (including capital); certified employees, from 133 to 162;  and classified employees from 98 to 100.

You will find her name on the cornerstone plaques at each building. She served for all the right reasons. She was a dedicated problem solver and a leader for positive change. She saw the graduation of her three boys from the school district; all of whom have gone on to successful careers.

Mayor Dickey was right for Fountain Hills then and now. Re-elect her as mayor.

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