My previous opinion column addressed the illusions of the state’s grades for our Arizona schools, specifically how Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) can have so many A-rated schools but such low assessment scores. Let me first state that QCUSD has some of the best teachers and educators in our state, but our assessment score, like other districts across the country, has been declining.
In 2015, QCUSD voters supported the override, which was intended to increase teachers' pay and reduce class size, ultimately increasing the quality of education in the district. The override was again renewed in 2019 to maintain its benefits. Well, now that voters did not approve the renewal in 2023, the district is forced to plan for a decline of ~15 million to the budget. Though I may not entirely agree with the order of items impacted by the administration's plan, I applaud them for working on a plan. This is not an easy discussion, or decisions need to be made.
In our March 5 study session, we discussed the potential plan to reduce this spending as the funding dissipates. Though much of the presentation felt to me as if it was doom and gloom, it made me start to think and ask questions. In 2014, when we went to the voters to ask for this support, our assessment scores were higher. This funding was ultimately intended to improve teacher pay and the quality of education. However, our assessment scores have declined since then.
In the study session I heard multiple reasons, from it was a different test then to we had far fewer students. The truth is the override funds went up proportionally to the population paying property taxes in the district. So I would think the growth should not matter if we applied the funds as presented in the voters’ pamphlet for the override. Let’s not focus so much on what has changed but more on what we can do.
If we are going to ask the voters for support of the override, is this not the perfect time to reimagine how these funds will be used? Would it not make sense to consider how we can apply these funds with a plan that would increase assessment scores?
Though the agenda was not intended to discuss the details I inquired about, I think it is a fair topic the board should discuss. Why ask the voters for funds to support the status quo when that status is not good?
Now, though I am on the board, I do not pretend to know everything about education, but here are some things I think we should consider including in any future override request:
- Reducing K-3rd grade to fewer than 20 students so teachers can focus on core reading and math, ensuring these students start with a solid foundation upon which to launch their education.
- Maintain the current 4-6 grades class size.
- Build a focus in 7-8 grades to remediate any decline in those students who may be testing behind their grade level.
- Hire a certified specialist in reading and math to ensure these foundational standards are met.
These are just a few of my ideas, and I am sure we could come up with more as a board. I could support an override if we had a plan to focus these funds on addressing our deficiencies. Until then, supporting the status quo of accepting low assessment scores, I could not, in all good conscience, go to the voters to ask for their support. We owe this to all of our students and the taxpayers, ensuring we are graduating students prepared for success.
James Knox has been a member of the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board since January 2023. His current term ends in January 2027. He resides in Queen Creek with his wife and two sons.
