Why the DVUSD Override Deserves Your Yes Vote for the Good of All
If you’ve ever heard the words bond or override and tuned out because it sounded like political jargon, you’re not alone. I’ll admit it — I had to hear it a few times before it clicked. But after sitting down with Katie May Smith and Kjersten Dewey from Deer Valley Votes for Kids PAC, I walked away with a much clearer picture of what’s at stake.
This November, Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) is asking voters to approve a 15% Maintenance & Operations Override. That might sound technical, but in reality it comes down to this: Do we want to keep strong schools, protect home values, and invest in our community for just about $20 a month?
Bonds vs. Overrides: Breaking Down the Jargon
Most people — myself included — don’t have a background in school funding. That’s why Katie explained it in a way that finally made sense:
“Think of a bond as things — updates to maintenance, building new schools. An override funds people — salaries, staff, the support students need every day.”
- Bonds = Things
Think new classrooms, HVAC repairs, buses, roof fixes, or safety updates. These are one-time, capital expenses you can see with your eyes.
- Overrides = People
Think teacher salaries, counselors, reading specialists, nurses, kindergarten programs, music, athletics, and electives. Overrides support day-to-day learning.
Arizona is unique because not every state requires school districts to run local elections just to maintain funding. But here, if overrides fail, schools lose programs that families often take for granted.
A Longstanding Override at Risk
DVUSD has relied on a 15% override since 1991 — more than three decades. It’s part of why Deer Valley has remained an A-rated district, attracting families and keeping property values strong.
But in 2024, voters failed to approve a continuation. That’s why we’re here today:
- $11 million will disappear next year if the override isn’t restored.
- The year after, the loss doubles.
- By year three, the override is gone entirely.
Katie pointed out the immediate effects already hitting schools:
“We had no raises for teachers, staff, or administrators this year. There was even a furlough day. With a teacher shortage in Arizona, if other districts keep passing overrides and we don’t, we’ll start losing teachers.”
Losing talented educators doesn’t just hurt classrooms — it weakens entire communities.
What’s at Stake for Students
When people hear about overrides, they may assume it’s just about salaries. But the reality is far broader. The override directly funds:
- 8% of all staff salaries across the district.
- Full-day kindergarten (the state only pays for half-days).
- Class sizes will increase by an average of 3 students without the override
- Counselors, nurses, and reading specialists at every school.
- Arts, music, and band programs that give students balance and creativity.
- Athletics — without override support, participation fees rise, excluding families who can’t afford them.
- Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses at the high schools — more than 50 in total — giving students hands-on training in trades, technology, healthcare, and business.
Kjersten highlighted what losing these programs could mean:
“This year, because the override isn’t in place, athletic programs couldn’t fund as many assistant coaches. That meant raising fees for families. Without the override, programs like music, art, and even full-day kindergarten are at risk.”
These aren’t extras. They’re the foundation of what makes DVUSD a place families want to live.
Why This Impacts Everyone — Even Without Kids in School
One of the biggest myths is that school funding only matters to parents. In reality, strong schools impact every corner of the community.
1. Home Values
Realtors will tell you: buyers look at school ratings first. DVUSD’s “A” rating is a huge draw. Lose programs, ratings drop — and so do home prices.
Kjersten put it plainly:
“We’re an A-rated district because of the override. If ratings fall, buyers notice — and so do home prices.”
2. Safe, Stable Neighborhoods
When schools lose after-school activities, teens have fewer productive outlets. Strong athletics and extracurriculars keep kids engaged, out of trouble, and on paths to success.
3. Equity Between Public and Charter Schools
Even with the override in place, DVUSD students receive 6–9% less funding per student than charter schools. Overrides simply help narrow that gap. Without them, the imbalance grows even more severe.
4. Community Cohesion
Katie shared how even her older, empty-nester neighbors rally behind the schools:
“They don’t have kids in the district anymore, but they love our neighborhood kids. They’ve continued to vote yes because they understand how important schools are to the health of the whole community.”
The Cost: Small Sacrifice, Huge Return
One of the most common questions is about cost. Here’s the truth:
- The average Deer Valley home (assessed at ~$250,000) will pay about $20.69 a month.
- That equals $250 a year.
Katie and Kjersten summed it up best:
“Such a small contribution makes a huge impact for our 31,000 students. Less than a subscription service. Less than taking your kids to McDonald’s once a month.”
It’s hard to find a better investment — especially when weighed against the risk of declining property values.
Addressing Skepticism: Where Does the Money Go?
Some voters worry about accountability. But overrides are tightly regulated:
- Spending is guided by state law and legislative rules.
- Budgets are approved annually by the school board in public meetings.
- The Arizona Auditor General issues third-party reports showing how funds are used.
As Katie explained:
“People might see a school get repainted from a bond and assume the district could’ve used that money for salaries. But bonds and overrides are legally separate. Money is allocated for specific uses, and the district can’t just move it around.”
Transparency is built into the process.
Key Election Dates
This is a mail-in ballot only election, which means deadlines matter more than ever:
- October 6 – Last day to register to vote.
- October 8 – Ballots begin mailing.
- October 24 – Last day to request a ballot.
- October 28 – Last recommended day to mail your ballot back.
- November 4 – Final day to drop your ballot off at the DVUSD district office (101 & 15th Ave).
How You Can Help
- Check your voter registration (especially if you’ve moved).
- Talk to your neighbors. Many don’t realize how overrides work.
- Volunteer with Deer Valley Votes for Kids PAC. They’re knocking on doors, handing out signs, and hosting conversations.
- Share on social media. Correcting misinformation is critical.
Kjersten emphasized:
“The best way to help us is to talk to your neighbors, make sure they’re registered, and vote. These next few weeks are critical.”
Final Thoughts
I started this conversation confused about bonds and overrides. Now, it’s clear: this is about investing in people, in our community, and in the future of North Phoenix.
For roughly $20 a month, we can protect teacher pay, preserve programs like arts and athletics, and keep our neighborhoods strong and our home values high.
If you live in Deer Valley Unified School District, make sure you’re registered, make sure you vote, and make sure your neighbors do too.
Because in the end, strong schools = strong communities.