Safford budget override good for employees

Published on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 8:16 AM MST

Editor:

The other night, we attended a meeting to educate the public regarding an M&O (Maintenance and Operation) budget override requested by the Safford School District. This matter will be an important issue on the ballot in November. It was a very informative meeting and helped us understand why it is so important that it passes.

Basically, this is what the issue boils down to: The override gives the school district permission to use money that has already been collected; the state just requires the district to receive permission/authorization from voters to use it. The RCL (Revenue Control Limit) is a state formula that determines how much funding a school district can spend each year. RCL can only be exceeded with voter approval.

The M&O budget is where much of a school district’s day-to-day expenses come from. Approximately 85 percent goes toward salaries and benefits for SUSD employees. Our district needs to increase this budget to attract and retain quality teachers and staff. We really need to be able to be more competitive in teacher pay.

Because the money requested has already been collected and is held in reserve, this measure (override) will not increase our tax rates. However, it will allow the district to increase its M&O budget by $768,000. This will enable the district to attract and retain quality teachers and staff.

Please join us in voting yes for this budget override Nov. 4. It is very important to our children’s education.

Thanks so much.

Kevin and Jody Peck

Safford

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