Carefree Truth
Issue #737, April 8, 2019
Mayor Les Peterson reported that he had attended the 8th Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, held in Gilbert, the previous week. It was his first time there, but he decided to go after receiving letters from 5 other Mayors saying he should attend. He was amazed. It consisted of many faith based and non profit organizations, coming together loosely under the umbrella of government. They talked about the good things they have done and plan to do for the community by communicating and coordinating.
It was heavily attended. Along with Mayor Peterson, the Mayors from Apache Junction, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Tempe, and a representative from the Maricopa Pima Indian Reservation were there. Speakers came from the African Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, a Rabbi representing the Jewish community, an Iman representing the Islamic community, and a number of others as well. They were all working together. The Mayor talked to Marketing Director Beth Renfro, and he thought "there was the seed of an idea here".
Mayor Peterson also attended the Chamber Breakfast last week. It was a round table format with Superintendents from 5 school districts, and the Mayors and Chamber of Commerce representatives from Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Cave Creek, and Carefree. Dr. Debbi Burdick was there representing the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD).
A year ago, the Mayor of Mesa said they needed to be more proactive, rather than reactive, to the programs of others. The 1-1/2 hour discussion concluded that the State Legislature is not close enough to the school districts to understand their needs or solve their problems. The Tempe Superintendent noted that they have students from 17 different Indian tribes who didn't speak the same language, and students with primary languages from 77 different countries.
In the next 2 years, it is anticipated that 25% of the teachers will reach retirement age. There is a dramatic shortage of teachers now, and it will only get worse. In 2 years, it will be critical. There was general agreement that the Legislature won't be providing funding to a heavier extent or know what to do. Solutions must come from local governments working with local businesses in their communities, in concert with the schools. State money will be an overlay. Local government, businesses and schools know what is best to do within their communities.
Opportunities for fundraisers like Rock the District must be considered. The Town is not receiving any funds for Rock the District, which will be held in downtown Carefree April 12th & 13th. The space and facilities are being donated to CCUSD as a first step in what the Mayor believes will be increasing cooperation.
(Lyn's note: Mayor Peterson was a volunteer judge at another school fundraiser, the annual Spelling Bee, held at the Holland Center last fall.)
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio added that it's a fine line for members of the Council to promote programs that CCUSD is trying to implement. He cited the example of joining EVIT, the technical school. They wrote letters of support as private citizens because they were not able to use their Council platform "for the greater good, so to speak". But "whenever there are agendas supporting the schools, whether or not you have kids at home", he implored the citizens to support them. Speaking as someone who has worked on the side of juvenile corrections, he would rather the money be spent here than over there. He asked for positive votes from the citizens even if a few cents more are tacked on to the County/CCUSD property tax, saying it would go a long way towards ensuring better opportunities for the kids.
https://vimeo.com/328559788
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Issue #737, April 8, 2019
Mayor Les Peterson reported that he had attended the 8th Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, held in Gilbert, the previous week. It was his first time there, but he decided to go after receiving letters from 5 other Mayors saying he should attend. He was amazed. It consisted of many faith based and non profit organizations, coming together loosely under the umbrella of government. They talked about the good things they have done and plan to do for the community by communicating and coordinating.
It was heavily attended. Along with Mayor Peterson, the Mayors from Apache Junction, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Tempe, and a representative from the Maricopa Pima Indian Reservation were there. Speakers came from the African Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, a Rabbi representing the Jewish community, an Iman representing the Islamic community, and a number of others as well. They were all working together. The Mayor talked to Marketing Director Beth Renfro, and he thought "there was the seed of an idea here".
Mayor Peterson also attended the Chamber Breakfast last week. It was a round table format with Superintendents from 5 school districts, and the Mayors and Chamber of Commerce representatives from Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Cave Creek, and Carefree. Dr. Debbi Burdick was there representing the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD).
A year ago, the Mayor of Mesa said they needed to be more proactive, rather than reactive, to the programs of others. The 1-1/2 hour discussion concluded that the State Legislature is not close enough to the school districts to understand their needs or solve their problems. The Tempe Superintendent noted that they have students from 17 different Indian tribes who didn't speak the same language, and students with primary languages from 77 different countries.
In the next 2 years, it is anticipated that 25% of the teachers will reach retirement age. There is a dramatic shortage of teachers now, and it will only get worse. In 2 years, it will be critical. There was general agreement that the Legislature won't be providing funding to a heavier extent or know what to do. Solutions must come from local governments working with local businesses in their communities, in concert with the schools. State money will be an overlay. Local government, businesses and schools know what is best to do within their communities.
Opportunities for fundraisers like Rock the District must be considered. The Town is not receiving any funds for Rock the District, which will be held in downtown Carefree April 12th & 13th. The space and facilities are being donated to CCUSD as a first step in what the Mayor believes will be increasing cooperation.
(Lyn's note: Mayor Peterson was a volunteer judge at another school fundraiser, the annual Spelling Bee, held at the Holland Center last fall.)
Councilman Vince D'Aliesio added that it's a fine line for members of the Council to promote programs that CCUSD is trying to implement. He cited the example of joining EVIT, the technical school. They wrote letters of support as private citizens because they were not able to use their Council platform "for the greater good, so to speak". But "whenever there are agendas supporting the schools, whether or not you have kids at home", he implored the citizens to support them. Speaking as someone who has worked on the side of juvenile corrections, he would rather the money be spent here than over there. He asked for positive votes from the citizens even if a few cents more are tacked on to the County/CCUSD property tax, saying it would go a long way towards ensuring better opportunities for the kids.
https://vimeo.com/328559788
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.