As a public school superintendent I have been frustrated with the lack of progress in dealing with sustainable education funding for the State of Arizona. However, the passage of Proposition 100 does give me pause to see a clear statement made by the voters of our great state. On several fronts the 64% "Yes" vote speaks to the following:
1. Despite the Legislative lack of leadership and consistent "non starter" behavior to finding workable and structual revenue solutions, the people understand the need for a quality education program regardless of the platform: higher education, public school, charter, home school and on-line options.
2. Secondly, the people clearly understand, that even in the toughest of economic times, education must be seen as a priority from a bi-partisan point of view avoiding the idealogy that creates on going lose-lose options for students and their communities.
3. Finally, the people understand that part of the return for the great State of Arizona will come by further protecting home prices with great schools. I have yet to meet a family not move into Fountain Hills Unified SD that did not spend a great deal of time studying our school system for their children's future.
This sales tax increase has a 3 year limitation that clearly needs to be honored for all the voters regardless of their voting choice. This vote gives Arizona education hope and needed revenue for the near future. We need to honor it with the effort demonstrated by the people's vote in this most difficult of times.
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