What is Prop 497?
The State of Arizona only allocates a certain amount of money for our schools. Oftentimes, local school districts seek permission from voters to sell bonds or in this case, seek a “Maintenance and Operations Override” to fund vital programs.
The 13% Maintenance and Operation budget override would establish hands-on K-12 engineering classes that integrate science, technology, math, and art. The override also would maintain current funding for programs that serve District students, including:
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• Award-winning fine arts and performing arts programs.
• Specialized elective classes.
• Competitive salaries to attract and retain outstanding teachers and staff.
• Full-day kindergarten and reasonable class sizes.
• Athletics for elementary through high school.
• Safe and well-maintained campuses.
When is the election?
Early ballots will be mailed to registered voters beginning October 11. Early ballots must be returned by mail by October 31, or they will need to be brought to any polling place. In-person early voting is also available. For more information about voting, please visit www.Recorder.Pima.Gov or call (520) 724-4330.
Who is supporting Prop 497?
At the heart of every strong community are strong public schools. Which is why parents, students, teachers, small business owners, and community leaders are all coming together to support Prop 497. Below are letters submitted in support of Prop 497:
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The Flowing Wells Governing Board is committed to providing exceptional opportunities for students while maintaining financial responsibility. Ongoing community support of the 10% override has led to success in academics, athletics, and the arts. The district now seeks to build on this success with a K-12 engineering program. As such, the Board requests support for a budget override of 13% to replace the 10% override.
As Board Members, we strive for excellent schools that improve property values and enhance the community. Flowing Wells outperforms peer districts in student achievement, spending more on instruction and less on administration. The district is recognized for its excellence in financial reporting. Last year, eight of our schools earned above-average ratings, and Flowing Wells High School achieved the A+ School of Excellence Award. Our seniors received $10 million in scholarship offers, and we earned regional and state recognitions in athletics, automotive, agriculture, fashion, choir, band, and orchestra!
Additional funds from a 13% override would establish hands-on engineering classes from elementary through high school and would maintain positions and programs that have contributed to student success. Please vote “YES” for the 13% budget override and invest in the boundless potential of our Flowing Wells students.
- Governing Board of Flowing Wells Unified School District No. 8
I urge Flowing Wells voters to support the override and vote yes on Prop 497. As Tucson City Council Member for Ward 3, I’m proud to have part of the Flowing Wells School District in my ward. Flowing Wells has a proven track record of spending bond and override dollars in a responsible manner and providing some of the best educational opportunities in Southern Arizona.
Prop 497 will enable the district to create new engineering courses for all students and keep funding fine arts and elective classes. This override will also allow the district to continue full day kindergarten and keep in place competitive salaries for teachers and staff.
As a longtime advocate for public schools I admire what the Flowing Wells School District has been able to accomplish. Their teachers and schools have won multiple awards and their graduates have gone on to do great things. Please vote yes on Prop 497 so the success in Flowing Wells schools can continue.
- Kevin Dahl
Tucson City Council Member, Ward 3
Tucson, AZ 8
As a Flowing Wells family, we are incredibly fortunate to live in a community that values the importance of our schools and the dedication of our educators. In addition to the excellent K-12 education, the Flowing Wells early education center, full-day kindergarten, and afterschool programs have been indispensable, providing safe and nurturing environments for our children’s development.
Over the years, my kids have consistently received exceptional support from teachers and staff, enabling them to flourish academically and personally. Now, with a high-schooler and a middle-schooler who have discovered their passions in music and science, I am deeply appreciative of the diverse opportunities that Flowing Wells offers to nurture their interests.
By voting yes on this override, we can secure the district’s budget, ensuring that all students have equal access to transformative experiences. Our public schools serve as the heartbeat of our community, fostering creativity, critical thinking, effective communication, self confidence, and resilience. As the upcoming election approaches, we have a rare chance to make a profound impact on our schools’ academic excellence and overall growth. Please join me in voting yes for Flowing Wells.
- Aryn Lambson, proud Flowing Wells parent
Tucson, AZ
We have been residents of the Flowing Wells School District for over thirty years. Both of our children attended Richardson Elementary, the junior high school and high school. As parents, we have many choices where we can send our children to school, but we truly believe in the Flowing Wells District and would not choose any other alternative. They are amazing and provide an A+ education. We know our children will have successful futures thanks to the Flowing Wells schools.
We have previously endorsed and voted “yes” on overrides because we felt we were investing into our children’s future. The Flowing Wells School District reinvests back into the students, classrooms and community. The administration has proven to be trustworthy and experienced in using override monies to provide the highest educational environment for our children.
The approval of this override is absolutely vital to the future of the Flowing Wells District. Without it, it will be very difficult for Flowing Wells to continue to provide the excellence in education that they are known for. A “yes” vote will secure a bright future for all students attending Flowing Wells schools. Every child deserves access to quality education.
- Gina Swecker
Tucson, AZ
I’m writing in support of the Flowing Wells Unified School District and Prop. 497. Passage of this proposition will allow the district to maintain and expand the high quality education provided daily to all students. As a parent of 2 elementary school students in Flowing Wells, I see the commitment and excitement every teacher, staff, and student walks into school with each morning. The funds from this proposition will bring more opportunities for students to connect to and expand their learning, which will continue to build our community’s future leaders, helpers, explorers, and innovators. Vote Yes on Prop. 497.
-Amanda Perkins
Tucson, AZ
Newly married, we bought our home in 1986 with no regard to schools. Ten years later, I knew how fortunate we were when our children started school at Hendricks Elementary School and living in the Flowing Wells School District. Both of my daughters completed kindergarten through high school, graduating from Flowing Wells High School with scholarships to attend Arizona universities. Currently my granddaughter attends Hendricks Elementary School. From the beginning it was clear this district keeps exceptional educators and support staff. Flowing Wells teachers and staff genuinely care about kids.
In 2005, I became a member of the Flowing Wells Educational Foundation and currently serve as President. I continue to love and support this district. As a member of the Foundation, our mission is a partnership with the community, committed to providing enrichment opportunities for children and families, and dedicated to educational excellence in the Flowing Wells District.
Please join me in voting “YES” for the Maintenance and Operations Budget Override and continue to support Flowing Wells School District and the efforts our educators are providing for our kids.
- Karen King
Flowing Wells Educational Foundation, President
Tucson, AZ
I graduated from Flowing Wells High and have never left the Flowing Wells community. Flowing Wells is my home, and the Flowing Wells School District is my second home. My children graduated from Flowing Wells and now my grandchildren have graduated from Flowing Wells. I have served in almost every way possible and after 29 years on the Governing Board, I still volunteer in the schools. I see firsthand the commitment of the staff to create incredible learning opportunities for our children. The District continues to celebrate our proud history, while creating new programs in technology and enhancing college-level courses to prepare students for a changing world after high school. The District is committed to our youngest children by providing the highest rated, 5-star, Emily Meschter Early Childhood Center and opening two more early childhood classrooms this year. This excellence goes all the way through award winning A+ Flowing Wells High School. The District continues to be committed to excellence and we can support the District by voting ‘yes’ on the override election.
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I support Flowing Wells and ask to you continue the override by voting YES for Flowing Wells this November. Thank you.
- Jeretta Douglas
Tucson, AZ
I am a parent of students in the Flowing Wells Unified School District. I support Proposition 497: the 13% budget override. FW demonstrates creativity and responsibility with its resources.
Prop 497 ensures full-day kindergarten continues. My children have had an opportunity to participate in specialized elective classes and it has made it possible for me to return to gainful employment.
The teachers and staff at FW give quality instruction and Prop 497 ensures FW can maintain competitive salaries. One of our family’s favorite FW experiences was family night at Emily Meschter Early Learning Childhood Center. We toured the outdoor Sonoran classroom. Our preschooler showed us where he studied the desert environment, took care of plants, and built wind chimes and structures with donated and recycled items. I am thankful for skilled teachers and staff who foster my children’s eagerness to learn and explore.
With funds from Prop 497, FW looks to the future with plans to offer engineering classes to the entire K-12 student population; preparing children for competitive opportunities beyond high school graduation.
FW has shown up for my family and the community. Now it’s time for the community to show up for FW!
Vote yes on Prop 497.
-Stephanie Miller
Flowing Wells Parent Tucson, AZ
I’m Susan Burns and I am asking voters in Flowing Wells to support the budget override and vote yes on Prop 497. I’m a proud parent of two children who attended Flowing Wells schools from kindergarten until they graduated high school. My husband and I could not have chosen a better school district for our kids to be educated in. We have no doubt that the education and support they received throughout has set them up to be the successful people they are today.
Even though my husband and I are now retired and don’t have school age children anymore, we have and will continue to support the Flowing Wells School District by voting yes on bonds and overrides when they are on the ballot. This override will continue to support competitive salaries for teachers, full-day kindergarten, elective and fine arts classes, and make engineering classes available to students.
The future health, safety, and well-being of our community is driven by the achievements of our students. Join me in voting yes on 497, the Flowing Wells budget override, so that the district can continue to thrive and prepare students for success today and in the future.
- Susan Burns
Flowing Wells Resident
Tucson, AZ
It is my pleasure to write this letter in support of the Flowing Wells School District Budget Override Election. I am a graduate and retired teacher from Flowing Wells High School and I can vouch for the amazing education that is provided for students and the care that is taken with Flowing Wells employees.
Flowing Wells Schools pride themselves in developing strong student relationships to ensure an encouraging and effective learning environment. This is what sets Flowing Wells apart from other school systems. All teachers, support staff and administrators work together to reach a collective goal. The override provides the district with a means to support those efforts.
Flowing Wells Schools offer many opportunities for students to participate in athletics, fine arts programs, clubs, career and technical education and JROTC. The schools serve as a community hub for many families. The connection is evident in the love and enthusiasm for learning the students share with each other and their teachers every day. I can say with confidence that students at Flowing Wells Schools are given every opportunity to succeed.
- Ellen L. Kirkbride
Retired Teacher
Tucson, AZ