Strong Communities Need Strong Schools
Citizens for a Better Surprise is a coalition of residents, businesses, and community organizations committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life that makes our city such a special place to call home. Many of us have lived here for decades and have watched our community grow. As more families choose the Northwest Valley, we have a responsibility to ensure our schools keep pace with that growth while maintaining the high standards our community expects.
That’s why we encourage you to vote YES on Proposition 421. This proposal will:
• Make critical repairs to aging schools
• Improve school safety, including replacing outdated fire panels
• Construct a new elementary school to meet community needs
• Purchase land for a future high school
• Maintain the current projected tax rate
Excellent schools are one of the reasons families choose to live in Surprise and El Mirage. They strengthen our neighborhoods, support local businesses, and help preserve the quality of life that benefits everyone.
Join us in voting YES on Proposition 421. Together, we can help ensure our schools are prepared to serve our growing community for years to come.
Michael Planeta, Colleen Collins
Chairman and Treasurer
Citizens for a Better Surprise
Surprise, AZ
WESTMARC supports initiatives that strengthen the West Valley’s long-term economic competitiveness and quality of life. As our region continues to grow, maintaining strong public schools is essential to attracting employers, developing a skilled workforce, and creating communities where families and businesses choose to invest.
Dysart Unified School District has demonstrated a commitment to educational excellence and responsible financial stewardship. Proposition 421 focuses on key infrastructure and safety needs, including replacing aging air conditioning systems, enhancing campus security, constructing a new elementary school, and acquiring land for a future high school to serve the district’s growing enrollment.
The district refined the proposal to focus on its highest-priority needs while seeking to minimize the financial impact on taxpayers. Proposition 421 is projected to maintain the current tax rate while helping ensure that school facilities keep pace with one of Arizona’s fastest-growing regions.
WESTMARC recognizes the important role high-quality schools play in supporting economic development, workforce readiness, and community prosperity. We encourage members and residents to vote YES on Proposition 421 to help keep Dysart schools strong.
Kimberly Jordan, Sintra Hoffman
Executive Vice President, WESTMARC and President & CEO, WESTMARC
Glendale, AZ
The West Valley Regional Chamber is committed to strengthening our regional economy by supporting businesses, encouraging responsible growth, and helping create communities where employers and families want to invest.
A strong economy depends on strong schools. Excellent schools help attract employers, support property values, prepare tomorrow’s workforce, and contribute to the safe, vibrant communities that make the West Valley such a desirable place to live and do business.
Dysart Unified School District has earned a reputation for educational excellence and responsible financial stewardship. Proposition 421 focuses on essential priorities, including replacing aging air conditioning systems, improving school safety, constructing a new elementary school, and purchasing land for a future high school. The district also reduced the size of the bond proposal to focus on its highest priority needs while keeping costs as low as possible.
Proposition 421 is projected to maintain the current tax rate while helping Dysart keep pace with one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities. The West Valley Regional Chamber encourages our members and the community to vote YES on Proposition 421 to help keep Dysart schools strong and our region prospering.
Jeffrey Campos
President/CEO, West Valley Regional Chamber
Goodyear, AZ
Chloe Kennedy
Director of Marketing & Events, West Valley Regional Chamber
Goodyear, AZ
To Our Friends and Neighbors in Surprise,
As Executive Director of Paradise Schools, I strongly support Proposition 421 and the Dysart School District.
Great schools do more than educate children—they strengthen our communities. They are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods and one of the primary reasons families choose to make Surprise their home. When schools thrive, our city thrives: property values increase, businesses flourish, and families invest their time, energy, and aspirations right here.
Investing in our children is an investment in the future of our free and democratic society. Strong schools shape responsible citizens—young people who will one day lead, serve, and uphold the values that make our community great.
Proposition 421 continues that investment, helping ensure Dysart students learn in safe, well-maintained classrooms and that neighborhood schools are ready to serve a growing Surprise for years to come.
While Paradise and Dysart serve students differently, we share one goal: giving every child the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. When our schools are strong, Surprise is strong.
Join me in supporting Proposition 421.
Darcy Weisner
Executive Director, Paradise Schools
Surprise, AZ
Supporting Safe, Strong Communities
The El Mirage Firefighters Association is proud to serve the families of our community every day. Whether we’re responding to emergencies, participating in community events, or volunteering alongside our neighbors, we know that strong communities are built by people working together.
Quality schools are an important part of that foundation. They give children the opportunity to succeed, provide families with confidence in their community, and help make El Mirage a place people are proud to call home.
That’s why we support Proposition 421. The measure focuses on essential needs across Dysart Unified School District, including important safety improvements, critical repairs to aging schools, and ensuring the district can responsibly meet the needs of a growing student population. It also reflects the district’s commitment to fiscal responsibility by reducing the size of the bond proposal to focus on its highest-priority needs while maintaining the current projected tax rate.
As firefighters, we know that serving a community means looking after the people who call it home. The El Mirage Firefighters Association encourages you to vote YES on Proposition 421.
Jeffrey Kinkade
Vice President, El Mirage Firefighters Association
El Mirage, AZ
Anthony Gomez
Trustee, El Mirage Firefighters Association
El Mirage, AZ
The Surprise Fire Fighters Association is proud to serve our community, not only through emergency response but by supporting efforts that improve the safety, well-being, and future of our residents. We believe a strong community is built on two pillars: public safety and quality education.
That’s why we proudly support Proposition 421 and encourage you to vote YES.
Our members live and work in Surprise and throughout the Northwest Valley. We are parents, neighbors, and community members who care deeply about ensuring local students have every opportunity to succeed. Dysart is an A-rated district and one of Arizona’s best. Proposition 421 helps ensure it stays that way by making critical repairs to aging schools, including replacing outdated fire panels that help protect students and staff in an emergency.
Excellent schools are an important part of what makes our community such a great place to live. Proposition 421 reflects the kind of responsible planning that helps keep our neighborhoods safe, strong, and prepared for the future.
The Surprise Fire Fighters Association encourages you to vote YES on Proposition 421.
Dan Anderson
President – Surprise Chapter L493
Enrique Diaz
Surprise Chapter L493 Trustee
As a parent, I know the feeling of sending my child to school each morning and trusting that the building they walk into is safe, accessible, and ready to support their future. I see the pride our students have in their schools, and I also see the real needs our district can no longer put off. Our children cannot wait. Vote YES on Proposition 421 to protect the future of every student in the Dysart school system. This responsible, urgent investment funds the essentials our schools need right now: a new elementary school, land for a future high school, fire panel replacements at every campus, and accessible restrooms for high school outdoor sporting events. Proposition 421 is not about extras-it is about safety, access, growth, and giving our students the schools they deserve. And it does all of this with the smallest possible impact on taxpayers. Current capital dollars cannot cover these critical needs, which means waiting only makes the challenges bigger and more expensive. Please join me in voting YES on Proposition 421—because as parents, neighbors, and community members, we have a responsibility to show up for Dysart students. Their future is on the ballot.
Stephen Skvara
Dysart Governing Board President
Surprise, AZ
As the Head Football Coach at Dysart High School and a proud member of this community, I strongly support the upcoming Proposition 421. Every day I see students, families, and staff who deserve facilities that are safe, functional, and reflective of the pride we have in our schools.
This Proposition addresses critical needs, including long-overdue auditorium renovations, improved outdoor restroom facilities for students and families attending school events, repairs to aging buildings and mechanical systems, and essential safety upgrades across our campuses. These are not luxuries—they are necessary investments that directly impact learning, student activities, and the overall experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Our schools are the heart of our community. By supporting Prop 421, we are investing in the future of our students while preserving and improving the facilities that serve generations of families. I encourage our community to vote YES and help ensure Dysart students have the safe, modern learning environment they deserve.
John Ganados
Dysart High School Head Football Coach and Community Member
Dear Community Members,
As Head Football Coach, I see firsthand how our school facilities serve not only our athletes, but also families, students, and community members throughout the year. That’s why I strongly support the upcoming Proposition 421.
Our current facilities no longer meet the needs of our growing community. An outdoor restroom and concession facility would provide a safer, more convenient experience for students, fans, and visitors during athletic events and school activities. Many of our buildings are also aging and require significant updates to remain functional and effective learning environments.
Most importantly, Proposition 421 is about safety. Modernized facilities and improved infrastructure will help create a more secure environment for every student, staff member, and visitor on our campus.
Investing in our schools is an investment in our children and our community’s future. I encourage you to join me in supporting Prop 421, so we can provide safe, updated, and welcoming facilities that our students and community deserve. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Michael Zdebski
Head Football Coach, Shadow Ridge High School
Chandler, AZ
As a registered voter and living in Surprise for the past 26 years, I urge your support of Prop 421 in supporting Dysart schools.
As a past City Manager in Surprise and grandparent to two District students, I support Prop 421 and will vote yes. Every 26 years investment in the older school facilities is necessary.
Without quality K12 education and facilities serving students and our community, we lose opportunities in job growth, growing a business within the District, the potential for our area decaying and decreasing property values with the businesses we depend on leaving our area.
Without improved K12 facilities, Surprise becomes less attractive to Luke Air Force Base personnel transferring to the Base because the District does not provide the educational facilities that Air Force families desire. These Air Force families will instead look to Goodyear, Buckeye and other neighboring communities.
The passage of Prop 421 provides students improved facilities such as with new chillers, repairs to roofs, school safety enhancements and other similar improvements.
Please vote Yes for Prop 421. Prop 421 is not a tax increase. Prop 421 addresses deferred maintenance that will return dividends necessary to our area’s future.
Sincerely,
Bill Pupo
Retired City Manager
Surprise, AZ
As Shadow Ridge High School Booster President and a proud Dysart parent for more than 20 years, I enthusiastically support Proposition 421 because it invests in the safety, success, and future of our students.
I’ve seen firsthand how much our schools mean to our families and community. Many of our campuses need important repairs and updates to keep classrooms safe, functional, and ready for learning. The bond will also provide new outdoor restrooms and a concession building, improvements that many neighboring districts already have. These updates will better support the students, families, and community members who gather on our campuses for athletic events, performances, and other activities throughout the year. Most importantly, Proposition 421 includes critical safety improvements that will help protect our students and staff, which is something we can all agree is important.
As an A-rated district, Dysart continues to attract families who value educational excellence and a strong community. Proposition 421 is an investment in keeping our schools safe, competitive, and prepared for the future. An A-rated district deserves A-rated facilities. I encourage our community to vote YES on Proposition 421.
Beth Simek
SRHS Over-Arching Booster President
Waddell, AZ
As Parent Booster President, I proudly support the upcoming Proposition 421, because it invests in the future of our students, families, and community. Our schools have served generations well, but many of our facilities are aging and no longer meet the needs of today’s students.
One of our greatest priorities is a new outdoor restroom and concession facility. This improvement will better serve students, families, and visitors during athletic events and school activities while creating a more welcoming experience for everyone.
Proposition 421 will also address aging buildings by providing much-needed repairs and upgrades that help preserve our schools for years to come. Just as important, it will improve campus safety through modern security enhancements, giving parents greater confidence that students and staff are learning in a safe environment.
Supporting Proposition 421 is about investing in safe, functional, and sustainable schools that benefit our entire community. I encourage everyone to vote in support of this important opportunity for our students and our future.
Richard Petersen
Willow Canyon PTSA President
Surprise, AZ
As Valley Vista High School’s Parent Booster President, I proudly support Proposition 421 because it provides critical improvements that will directly benefit our students, families, and community.
Our schools need safe, modern, and well-maintained facilities. Proposition 421 will fund important building repairs, facility upgrades, and mechanical improvements that enhance the experience for students, families, and visitors attending athletic events and other school activities. Many of our campuses are aging and require these updates to provide the high-quality learning environment our students deserve.
Most importantly, this proposition invests in safety improvements that help protect students, staff, and visitors every day. These are responsible, long-term investments that strengthen our schools while preserving them for future generations.
By voting YES on Proposition 421, we are supporting safe, functional schools and demonstrating our commitment to student success and the future of our community.
I encourage everyone in our community to vote YES on Proposition 421.
Kathleen Williams
VVHS Booster President
Surprise, AZ
Supporting Students, Supporting Our Future
As your City Councilman, I believe one of the best investments we can make is in our students. The proposed school Proposition 421 will help improve school security, replace outdated facilities, and provide modern learning spaces that support academic achievement.
Great schools create lasting benefits throughout the community. They attract families, encourage economic growth, and prepare young people to become skilled workers, community leaders, and engaged citizens.
This Proposition 421 represents a commitment to the future of our city. I encourage you to review the proposal, ask questions, and vote YES to provide our students with the opportunities they deserve.
Jack Hastings
Surprise City Councilman
Surprise, AZ
A Responsible Investment
Our community has always valued education, and this school Proposition 421 is an opportunity to continue that tradition. As a City Council member, I support this measure because it addresses essential needs, including campus safety, infrastructure improvements, and updated classrooms.
These investments are about more than buildings-they’re about providing students and educators with the resources they need to succeed. Well-maintained schools also reflect our community’s commitment to excellence and help make our city an attractive place to live and work.
I respectfully ask residents to support the school Proposition 421. By planning for today and investing in tomorrow, we strengthen our schools, our neighborhoods, and our community for generations to come.
Johnny V. Melton
Surprise City Council Member
Surprise, AZ
One of the most important investments a community can make is in the education of its children. As a Surprise City Council Member representing one of our fastest-growing areas, I proudly support Proposition 421 because it is an investment in both our students and our community’s future.
Our schools should provide every child with a safe, reliable, and modern learning environment. Proposition 421 will help meet the needs of today’s students while preparing for the future families who will call our community home in the years ahead. In Northwest Surprise, a new school in the Asante area is no longer a want, it is an immediate need.
When we invest in our schools, we invest in safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and brighter futures for the next generation. This bond is about planning responsibly for growth rather than falling behind it.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting Proposition 421. A YES vote is a vote for safe schools, educational opportunity, and a stronger future for Surprise.
Nick Haney
Surprise City Council Member
Surprise, AZ
As your School Board Clerk, I believe every student deserves a learning environment that is safe, well maintained, and equipped for success.
Prior to 2001, the district had only five elementary schools, and one high school. However, due to the exponential growth of Surprise and El Mirage, the district became one of the fastest growing districts in Arizona. In the 2000s, the district built at least one school per year and by the end of the 2000s, the district had a total of twenty-four schools. Because of the growth of students in the Dysart School District, this proposed school bond focuses on improving our facilities, addressing critical maintenance needs, and preparing our school for the future.
These projects have been carefully prioritized to meet the district’s most pressing needs while making thoughtful use of taxpayer dollars. Investing now helps preserve our school buildings and ensures students have the resources they need to thrive.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting this important investment in our schools and our community. Your vote
for the school Proposition 421 is a vote for strong schools, responsible planning, and a brighter future for every student.
Mary Jane Ziola
Dysart Unified School District Governing Board Clerk
Surprise, AZ
As a member of our School Board, I proudly endorse Proposition 421 and encourage our community to vote yes.
This proposition represents an important investment in our students, staff, schools, and community.
Many of our facilities are aging and require essential improvements. Proposition 421 will help fund critical building repairs, strengthen campus safety and security, and modernize learning spaces so they better support today’s educational programs.
These improvements will provide safer, more effective learning environments while preserving the school facilities our community has already invested in. Supporting Proposition 421 means protecting those valuable public assets and helping ensure that current and future students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
I encourage every voter to review the facts, ask questions, and participate in this important decision. Please join me in voting yes on Proposition 421 - for our students, our schools, and the future of our community.
Denise Destiche
Dysart Unified School District Governing Board Member
Waddell, AZ
Strong Schools Benefit Everyone
Strong schools are fundamental to a thriving community. They impact quality of life, drive economic development, and contribute to the safety and stability of neighborhoods. As a foundational pillar of American society, public schools build human capital, promote civic responsibility, and help sustain a robust and competitive economy.
The partnership between the City of Surprise and the Dysart Unified School District demonstrates how schools serve more than just students-they serve the entire community. Through intergovernmental agreements, school fields remain open to residents during non-school hours, increasing access to recreational spaces.
Additionally, the district waives rental fees for city use of facilities, allowing local youth sports programs to remain affordable and widely accessible.
A high-performing school district enhances a city’s appeal to new businesses, contributes to rising property values, and fosters a sense of shared pride. Dysart is an A-rated district with no C-rated schools, underscoring a commitment to excellence that benefits all who call Surprise home.
Support for Proposition 421 represents an investment in the future prosperity and well-being of the entire community-fiscally responsible, forward-looking, and grounded in shared civic values.
Chris Judd
Surprise City Council
Surprise, AZ
As a local REALTOR who both lives and works in the Dysart Unified School District since 2012, I strongly support the upcoming school bond, Proposition 421. Our schools are the foundation of a thriving community, and investing in safe, modern, and well-equipped campuses benefits students, families, and our entire region.
Having helped hundreds of families who have considered the quality of our schools when deciding where to buy a home, I know how important it is to have strong schools to help attract new residents, support property values, and contribute to long-term economic growth. The proposed Proposition will provide much-needed improvements to school facilities, helping ensure our students have the resources and learning environments they deserve.
Supporting Proposition 421 is an investment in our children, our neighborhoods, and the future of the Dysart community. I encourage my fellow residents to vote in favor of Prop 421 and help keep our district a place where students can succeed and families are proud to call home.
Shauna Mackey
REALTOR Broker/Owner in the Dysart USD
Surprise, AZ
Serving on the School Board has given me a firsthand understanding of the needs of our schools and the importance of planning for their future. Proposition 421 is a responsible investment that will improve school facilities, replace aging infrastructure, enhance safety, and address essential maintenance before costs grow even higher.
Strong schools benefit our entire community. They help students succeed, attract families, strengthen neighborhoods, and protect property values. Investing in our schools today ensures that future generations have safe, modern, and inspiring places to learn.
I respectfully ask for your support of Proposition 421. By voting yes, you are making a long-term investment in our students, our schools, and the future of our community.
Jennifer Drake
Dysart Unified School District Governing Board Member
Surprise, AZ
As Parent Booster President, I proudly support the upcoming Proposition 421, because it invests in the future of our students, staff, and community.
Our schools have served generations of families, but many facilities now require critical updates. Renovating the auditorium will provide a safe, modern space for student performances, assemblies, and community events.
Upgrading outdoor restrooms will improve accessibility, cleanliness, and the experience for students, families, and visitors attending athletic and extracurricular activities.
Proposition 421 will also address aging infrastructure, including building systems and mechanical equipment that have exceeded their expected lifespan. These improvements will help ensure reliable learning environments while reducing costly emergency repairs.
Most importantly, Prop 421 prioritizes safety. Investing in secure, well-maintained schools protects our children and creates spaces where they can focus on learning, growing, and succeeding.
Supporting Prop 421 is an investment in our students today and in the strength of our community for years to come. I encourage everyone to vote in favor of Proposition 421 and help provide the safe, modern, and dependable schools our children deserve.
John Leasau
Dysart High School Booster President
Waddell, AZ
Investing in Our Community
As a City Council member, I proudly support the upcoming school Proposition 421 because strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. This bond will provide critical funding to improve safety, modernize aging facilities, and create learning environments that prepare students for future success.
Quality schools benefit everyone—not just families with children. They help attract businesses, support property values, and strengthen our local economy. Investing in our schools is an investment in our city’s future workforce and quality of life.
I encourage every voter to learn the facts and join me in voting YES on the school Proposition 421. Together, we can ensure our students have the safe, modern schools they deserve while building a stronger future for our entire community.
Patrick Duffy
Surprise City Council Member.
Surprise, AZ
Paid for by Citizens for a Better Surprise with 0% from out of state contributions. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
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