Nobody was surprised. The pro-tax cheerleaders didn’t even show up to speak. We all knew that Ms. Staci Burk would be the only board member who would argue against the tax increases and vote against them. She asserted that the Gilbert School district could do more to put more money into the classroom and reduce spending in other areas.
Four citizens stood publicly and spoke out against the increases: Julie Smith (candidate for School Board), Nancy Genys, Steven Johnson, and Glen Frakes.
Their arguments fell on deaf ears. Board members who voted in favor were Lily Tram, Blake Sacha, and Helen Hollands. Staci Burk voted NO. EJ Anderson was not present.
Please see GPS Board Approves New Budget, Property-tax increase, written by Hayley Ringle of the Arizona Republic.