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PUPC: Vote yes on Peoria Unified bond, override

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We recognize the important role that parents play in supporting our schools and ensuring the best possible education for all students in our community.

Public School Review agrees stating, “Extensive research has shown that students achieve more in school when their parents are involved in their education.”

As such, we formed the Peoria United Parent Council to engage and activate the influential voices of Peoria Unified School District’s parents; help inform parents on educational issues; and bring parents, parent groups, district administrators and community leaders together.

PUSD is one of the best school districts in the Valley and it is the excellent teachers, committed administrators and engaged parents who help keep it that way.

The time has come for our community to join in with parents to show their commitment to our quality of life by supporting our schools. The override is a continuation of the existing revenue that has been in place in one form or another for more than two decades. It funds essential people such as nurses and important programs such as athletics, arts, music, PE, and others. Without it, $28 million will be slashed causing irreparable damage to many of the people and programs that bring purpose and passion to our students.

The bond is for critical needs, not “wants.” These are the most pressing improvements to schools across the district such as school security, replacing aging air conditioning and roofs that don’t leak – not luxury items.

We need to continue to look toward the future when things get back to normal and recognize that both the override and bond will be needed at that point.

Punishing the district because of short term concerns run the risk of having long-term negative consequences. To all parents, join us in supporting our schools in this greatest hour of need. To our neighbors without kids at home, join us as well – your quality of life, your property values, and the safety of our community depend on it.

Join the Peoria United Parent Council in voting yes on both the override and bond.

Editor’s note: This commentary was submitted by the PUPC board: Jill Melaragni, president; Danielle Padia, vice president of programs; Rachelle Morris, vice president of communications; Lisa Naylor, treasurer.