May 9, 2018
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TEACHER WALK OUTS END continued from page 1
flexible dollars for schools to use on support staff, textbooks, technology and infrastructure. The plan included $371 million to restore recession-era cuts that will be phased-in over five years. However, the plan falls short of teachers demands for restoring school funding to prerecession levels, regular raises and a pledge not to adopt any tax cuts until per-pupil monies reaches the national average. “When we started this movement, Arizona educators pledged to keep fighting for the schools their students deserve until the end, and we were true to our word,” according to a statement released by the AEA on May 3. “We will return to our schools, classrooms, and students knowing that we have achieved something truly historic.” The AEA and AEU said they will turn to a ballot measure next November to secure the rest of the funding that was not included in the budget plan passed last week. “We should take pride in
what we have accomplished, and in the movement that we have created together,” the AEA statement continued. While education advocates may have their sights set on elections next November, many parents, students and teachers are left wondering what happens now that the walkouts are over. Each school district is now left to determine how the lost learning time will be made up for students, which could delay report cards, the last day of school and potentially graduation dates. Most districts are announcing their revised school year calendars by posting it on their websites and social media pages. Parents should contact administrators or school’s directly for the most up to date information. Cave Creek Unified School District, which reopened its schools on April 30, earlier than most districts in the Valley, has already announced its revised school calendar. Thursday May 24 will be a half day, May 25 will be a full day, May 28 is Memorial Day and observed by CCUSD
The Foothills Focus schools, and May 29 will be the last full day for all students and staff. Graduation will still occur on May 24. Deer Valley Unified District schools reopened for a full-day of instruction on May 4. Their revised school year schedule will be updated this week, and they will send emails updating parents once it’s approved. “The recent events are unprecedented and unique. We do not have history to guide us; however, we have laws and policies that we must follow,” stated a letter to DVUSD parent sent out on May 3. “We have contacted our attorney to provide advice in the steps we will need to take to finish our school year within the expectations of the law.” Governor Doug Ducey signed the funding bill making it a law early on the morning of May 3. “This is a real win for our teachers, for our kids, for our educators in the classroom, and we’re grateful for your help in getting this over the finish line,” said Governor Ducey in a video filmed in his office before signing the bill. “It’s a good way to start the day.”
Yavapai County offers free slash drop-off, promoting fire safety The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors announced the continuation of the annual free slash drop-off program at County transfer stations from now through June 1, 2018. The annual free drop-off program is available at county transfer stations located in Black Canyon City, Camp Verde, Congress, Mayer, Paulden, Seligman, and Skull Valley. Free slash drop-offs will be held during normal operating hours. Only the following items will be accepted: brush, branches, grass, leaves and yard trimmings. Items not accepted are: lumber, stumps, roots, cactus, metal and garbage. All slash must be removed from plastic bags. This program is for residential use only. Commercial loads will not be accepted. Please take advantage of the free slash drop-off program as you create defensible space
around your property and create a safer environment for emergency responders. “Don’t wait! Be firewise. Now is the time to create defensible space around your home,” stated Yavapai County in a press release. Cut away vegetation 5 to 30 feet from all structures. Remove all debris and dead vegetation from roofs, decks, and the ground around your home. Please remember to be cautious of sparks as you are cutting and trimming. Firewise preparations should also include having a plan in place before you are told to evacuate. Using the “Five P”s is a great start to make sure you don’t leave anything important behind. 1. PEOPLE & PETS – Food, water, baby supplies, pet tags, pet carrier or livestock transportation standing by.
2. PRESCRIPTIONS – A week’s supply of all medications, equipment, visual and hearing aids ready. 3. PAPERS – Money, important documents (paper or electronic) records should be kept together. 4. PRICELESS ITEMS – irreplaceable memories and items. 5. PHONES & COMPUTERS – Information on hard drives and disks as well as charging devices. For additional information on the free slash program, please contact the Yavapai County Public Works Department at (928) 771-3183.For more information about emergency preparedness, please contact 928-771-3321 or marcie.slay@ yavapai.us. For locations and hours please visit: www.yavapai.us/Portals/30/ TransferStationList.pdf.
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