Vail Parent Network Update: “Classroom Space” by Stacy Winstryg

For the first time in almost a decade, education is not facing funding cuts in the proposed 2017 budget. There are actually increases to education in the budget that Governor Ducey has proposed. The increases are still far from repairing the damage that has been done since 2008, but they are a much-appreciated step in the right direction. We are hopeful that the State Legislature will support the Governor’s budget.

Although the proposed budget is a cause for hope, there is still a big issue facing education in our local community – classroom space in Vail schools. There are three new large communities being planned for the Vail area. As additional homes are built, additional children enroll in our schools. We do not have enough space. We are already approved for a new high school and elementary school through the School Facilities Board because of the upcoming growth to the community. Unfortunately, the School Facilities Board has not been funded by the state for many years, so the SFB is not able to provide the funds to build the schools for which we have been approved. The law requires the State to build schools once they are SFB approved. VPN will be working to advocate for the funds the state is legally required to provide.

Please help VPN during this legislative session. Contact your legislators. Let them know you support Governor Ducey’s proposal to support education and ask them to advocate for funding the School Facilities Board.

We have two new representatives in LD 14, Drew John and Becky Nutt. Our senator is Gail Griffin. Please visit our website at www.vailparentnetwork.org for a complete list of your representatives, where to contact them, and ideas for discussion with them. Join us in letting our elected officials know what issues we hold dear and hold them accountable to representing us.

 

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