Hello,

I am sending this e-mail to my friends and neighbors. Please read and give Prop 405 serious consideration. If you do not live in the Vail School District, you can disregard or please pass onto someone you know who does.

You have seen the pamphlets and the solicitations for Prop 405. I won’t bore you with statistics or inundate you with facts that you can find throughout the Vail Community. I want to share my personal perspective, as a parent as to why a “YES” vote is necessary.

You know my son, Andrew. He is a bright individual who enjoys life. He is also a young man who LOVES school. Andrew has had the privilege of attending Vail School District since he was in first grade. I have compared his education to that of a private school. He has been blessed with MANY awesome teachers. Each teacher has made him feel SPECIAL. They have enriched and challenged him. The teachers and staff treat each student as an individual. I have seen teachers give up family time so they can bring elementary kids together for a reading night or forego sleep so they can take their students on that special field trip or even in high school give up countless hours so the students can take part in a special program, Robotics, after school. The teachers relentlessly give of themselves for their students. They participate in spelling bees, student stores, science fairs, and other events to benefit their students. Andrew has been honored to be part of community school efforts, leadership teams and reading programs because of the tireless effort put forth by Vail teachers and staff. Vail is a school district where memories are made through learning and education. It is an environment where respect is commonplace and bullying is not accepted. It is a safe haven where students are free to learn and grow. Andrew sums it up as “an engaging environment where you want to go to school and are not afraid to attend.” He has friends who have left the district and now miss the high standards of Vail.

With the economy how much longer can we, the community, expect Vail to work on a shoestring budget. There are only so many ways a dollar can be divided. I have seen that Vail has reduced waste. VAHS is a green school where communication is through the internet and email. Andrew has brought home many a worksheet that was reused with printing on the other side. Students are taught to respect their school and the materials. Parents donate supplies. Nothing is wasted! Parents and the community are integral to Vail’s success. Everyone pulls together. Now I ask will you?

I realize that each of us face difficult economic challenges, but a yes vote is not only good for Vail Schools, but the community. We love Colorado but have chosen to stay in Arizona for Andrew’s education. We chose Vail for its excelling schools that continues in this economy. Vail always makes the right curriculum choices for its students. We chose Vail because it was the right choice. Ten years later we know we made the right choice. Will you?

A “Yes” vote is also good for you, the property owner. Good schools attract buyers. That is why we are here. What about you?

Finally, words I read on a recent Prop 405 site: “For 17 years, our district has flourished on the tax contributions of the community it serves. Please know that no amount of belt tightening and waste reduction will make up for what we will lose by not passing Prop 405. This is simply a vote for renewal, not an additional tax.”

Vail Unified School District is not only a place where kids go to school, but a place where communities gather. Please VOTE YES and allow Vail the privilege to lead the next generation. If you have any questions, let me know. I will find the answers. Pass this onto your friends and neighbors. We need your vote!

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Mary Mullen