by Stacy Winstryg
The Vail Parent Network recently co-hosted a community town hall on September 17th to inform citizens about the growth in Vail, as well as give information on Prop 468 and the importance of voting. The attendance was good and shows that our community is engaged. We also had many government students attend from the local high schools which was fun to see!
Two propositions that will affect education on November’s ballot are Prop 305 and Prop 468. It is important to know what each one is asking so that you may make an informed decision at the polls in November.
Prop 305 involves the expansion of vouchers or ESA’s (Education Savings Account).
*A YES vote is to uphold the contested legislation of Senate Bill 1431 which will phase in an expansion of Arizona’s ESA’s to make all public students eligible.
*A NO vote is to repeal Senate Bill 1431 and therefore not expand the ESA program.
VPN is a strong NO vote on Prop 305. Expanding ESA’s takes money from the already underfunded public education system in Arizona. Until public education is properly funded in our state, we cannot shift money to programs like ESA’s.
Prop 468 is specific to the Vail School District and is a bond that will help build a new high school, a K-8 school, and improve transportation and safety needs. There are a number of new housing developments coming to the VSD and with that growth comes the need for new schools. Local taxes are often used throughout the nation to pay for schools. It is a way to invest in our communities and keep them strong. VPN is a YES vote on Prop 468. For more information on Prop 468, visit www.yeson468.com.
Please make sure you are registered to vote. It is a simple process. You can even request a mail-in-ballot to vote from the convenience of your own home.
