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Prop 401: Yes

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YES Tucson Unified School District budget override

TUSD is asking voters to help foot the bill to improve education. We believe TUSD students deserve the benefits this community investment would bring.

The seven-year override would allow TUSD to exceed its budget by 10 percent, adding roughly $28 million the first year and staying at 10 percent for five years, then dropping off for the remaining two. It would add about $127 to the annual tax bill of the average TUSD homeowner — about 35 cents a day.

Taxpayers deserve a return on their investment and we believe TUSD has chosen programs that have a track record of improving education. The override would:

• Reduce class sizes in kindergarten through second grade to 18 students and lower middle-school math classes to 22 kids;

• Recruit and retain teachers in high-vacancy subjects like math, science and exceptional education, and

• Expand the Opening Minds Through the Arts (OMA) program to all elementary and middle schools. The OMA program is nationally recognized for improving achievement by weaving art and music into the core curriculum.

Some TUSD voters are wary about the district and some of its history. We understand that. But the district has a new superintendent and will have a new governing board, and that makes a difference.

Educational funding in Arizona is pitiful. We're 49th in the nation. TUSD students deserve better and we recommend a "yes" vote on Proposition 403.