In about a month you will be getting mail ballots that will include two issues regarding our School District. So you will be asked to vote twice, once for the renewal of the override for operations and maintenance, and once for a capital improvement bond.

I urge you to vote “yes” on both issues.

A “yes” vote for the override will allow the district to maintain teacher salaries/benefits and provide funding for professional development. It will also allow the provision of free all-day kindergarten and reduction of class sizes in grades 1-3.

It has been a challenge to keep teacher salaries/benefits at a level of neighboring school districts, which in some cases has led to teachers leaving the district for higher pay. A “yes” vote for this override will not result in higher taxes as it is a continuation of an override already in effect.

A “yes” vote for the capital bond will allow the district to spend $8 million to make a variety of improvements over the life of the bond issue (up to 20 years) to current in-use campuses and the transportation/ warehouse.

Current facility ages range from 13 years to 27 years. As homeowners you know that ages of structures this old require replacement and improvements.

Replacements and improvements partially include air conditioning, new buses, asphalt and playground equipment. For a more complete list of improvements and more information, visit the website www.FHKids-Yes-yes.com.

A “yes” vote for the capital bond is estimated to cost an additional $32 annually for a house valued at $250,000. Stated another way, it would increase your tax bill by about $3 per month for the same valued house.

All said, two “yes” votes will keep our schools healthy, which in turn keeps property value up and enhances our lives in Fountain Hills.