The nationwide epidemic of underfunded public schools is usually an impersonal headline, but in Tempe, it’s become a much-publicized problem.

When mold was found in Tempe Union High School District’s Corona del Sol High School, parents and students were outraged and concerns were raised over poor air quality in the school. As Health Effects Group explained, the carbon dioxide concentration levels were four times the national recommended level because of a unique design implemented in the 1970s, and students and staff have reported benign tumors, asthma attacks and consistent coughs.

In response, TUHSD took out a $12 million loan in early 2008 from the state for a project to clean up the infected areas of the building, but they were denied money for a new ventilation system.

Overall, as a result of this entire situation at Corona, the district’s financial picture has gotten increasingly murkier. And they need some help.

To understand the financial problem, first look at the way schools get their funding. Although the right to free speech, right to bear arms and right to fair trial is protected in the federal Constitution, there is nothing said about the right to an education.

This matter then, which has set the United States apart in its success as an industrialized nation, is left up to each state.

The state then allocates a certain amount of funding to each school district. To raise quality, a school district can ask for additional funding or an override from its voting constituents. This supplement from the voters can often determine the difference between a well-run school district and one with failing students.

In 2007, for the first time since 1983, Tempe voters didn’t approve the override for their district. The budget for the 2008-2009 school year showed $8 million in lost funding for Tempe high schools. Naturally, the discovery of mold at Corona during the 2007-2008 school year has only put them in a deeper hole.

But Tempe voters can help their schools out of their difficult situation again — on November 4th, two overrides and a bond will be up again for Tempe voters to pass or shoot down.

A $6.3 million maintenance and operations override will be up for renewal, which will go toward maintaining small classes, quality teachers and the current offering of athletic, artistic and other extracurricular programs.

Another renewal for a $6 million capital outlay override would go toward paying for technology upgrades in the buildings, textbooks and school buses.

New this year, however, is a $30 million bond that will pay for the Corona del Sol Fresh Air Project, as well as necessary maintenance and safety upgrades in all the district’s high schools. The average monthly cost to taxpayers if all three ballot measures pass is $5.50 a month.

Why should the ASU community care? As the host of the University’s flagship campus of 52,734 students, the city of Tempe is home to a large number of professors and alumni homeowners. It is no secret that one of the key factors in maintaining high property values is maintaining the quality of the surrounding schools — the healthier the schools, the healthier the property values.

Furthermore, the success of Tempe’s schools will make it much easier for ASU to recruit any elite faculty with a family. If Tempe is a more well-rounded city, ASU stands to benefit.

Without the passing of all three proposals, TUHSD will lose another $8 million in funding next year, and will be unable to pay back their loan to clean up Corona’s air. Even more money will be cut directly from the schools.

Yes Yes Yes: Support Our Schools is the organization promoting the passage of all three ballot measures.

Speaking as a parent of past TUHSD students and longtime community member rather than on behalf of the district and its board, TUHSD governing board member Zita Johnson said, “Tempe Union High School District is a wonderful and excellent school district. We take it very seriously as evidenced by our 58 National Merit Scholarship finalists just this year. Our community expects excellence from us and we deliver. Passage of these three ballot measures is vital to our district being able to maintain the high standards we strive for and that our community expects."

Nationally, education is underfunded as is. For a relatively cheap investment, Tempe and the ASU community can raise quality of future incoming University classes and Tempe property values, all the while making sure their schools do not have to carry the added burden of being both underfunded and in debt.

Melissa would prefer that in addition to trying to reach her at melissa.silva@asu.edu, you check out yyysos.org.