MPAQS Mesa Parent Advocates for Quality Schools

Thanks to all parent leaders who attended the Nov. 16 meeting of the Mesa Parent Advocates for Quality Schools.

Discussing the "A" in MPAQS

Dr. Michael Cowan, our superintendent, asked parents to consider being advocates for education. Be informed about issues that affect children in Arizona and Mesa Public Schools by reading the newspaper or following information on your favorite education website. Share information with friends, family co-workers and other parents.

For your convenience, we have posted links to several education-related organizations on the MPAQS website: www.mpsaz.org/mpaqs - click on "advocacy." These organizations will deliver regular news updates to your inbox if you subscribe with your e-mail address. 

The news about next year's budget

Dr. Gerrick Monroe, assistant superintendent for business and support services, talked about the state's financial picture and how our district may be affected. Mesa Public Schools, which has made $85 million in budget adjustments over the past three years, anticipates additional cuts over the next few years. For 2011-12, budget decreases are expected to exceed $40 million.

The majority of the district's budget is used for employee salaries and benefits - budget reductions typically equate to fewer people. Dr. Cowan asked parents to share ideas on saving money or generating revenue to help in the creation of budget recommendations to the Governing Board.

Use our online budget feedback form to share your suggestions.

A link to the form is also accessible from our district's home page at www.mpsaz.org - it is located in the news section on the upper right side of the page.

Expect More Arizona

Our guest speakers were Nicole Magnuson and Rebecca Lindgren from Expect More Arizona, a statewide non-profit organization devoted to education. The Expect More Arizona website is filled with helpful resources on education.

Quality schools are a benefit to all citizens by stimulating jobs and economic development. Businesses want to locate where potential employees are well-educated - and business decision-makers want good schools available for their own children and those of their employees.   

Being an educational advocate is easy for parents - help your child with homework, attend school activities, work with your child on a plan for post-high school education or job certification. 

A few additional easy suggestions for parents who want to impact education: Watch education issues important to your family. Send an e-mail or make a phone call to your elected officials when you agree, disagree or have ideas to share.

Stay tuned for new information

The district will provide ongoing updates throughout the budget process.

Our next MPAQS meeting will be 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 15 in the board room, 549 N. Stapley Drive, Mesa.