I am a third generation Arizonan and I love this state! I love the diverse natural beauty, the rugged Western heritage, and I love that I was born in Prescott, raised in Payson, and spent the last 27 years raising a family in Fountain Hills.

I love that I was raised in Arizona public schools, attended ASU, and have been teaching here for over 30 years. I love that my husband and I sent our four adult children to Fountain Hills public schools where they thrived!

Today I’m mad! This state and its people deserve way more than what they are getting from our state leaders. They continue to strip money away from public education making us near last in all aspects of school funding in the nation. Schools are closing, college tuition has doubled, teachers are completely underpaid, classrooms are getting larger, parents are asked to donate all classroom supplies, pay up to $500 for extracurricular activities, and the list goes on and on!

It’s time to stand up and demand the best for Arizona’s children and their educational system. Schools aren’t profitable, but the repercussions of not funding our future is devastating for our state. Well-educated students today will provide a strong and vibrant work force for tomorrow.

It’s time to raise school taxes and work towards having the educational system that will make Arizonans proud.

If you came to Arizona for its beauty, weather, and Western traditions, welcome. If you came to escape taxes and rest, get ready for a change. Stand up, Arizona! We can fix this before it’s too late! Write your senators and representatives. Get involved with making our state an educational leader, and support your local schools. They are filled with passionate, talented people who truly care about your children and grandchildren. I know, I am one of them.