I'm speaking up for the students at Deanna Davenport Elementary in Canutillo, Texas, whose future is in jeopardy due to unfair budget allocations. We recently attended the Canutillo Independent School District board meeting, where the budget for the upcoming school year was on the table. There were some alarming disparities, especially concerning Deanna Davenport, which serves many kids from Westway, a low-income community.

These children primarily walk to school, but with plans to relocate the school to an upper-middle-class area, we're left wondering about transportation. They promised to use electric buses, yet the proposed budget still falls short. How can we ensure these kids get to school safely and affordably?

The heart of the issue is that property taxes in Canutillo are set to increase, supposedly to fund schools. However, our district is labeled as property-rich, leaving us with a surplus we must return to the state. It doesn’t make sense to raise our taxes when this surplus could support local schools like Deanna Davenport. Instead, local funds should address existing shortfalls and help students thrive, rather than lining state pockets.

This is not just about numbers. It's about providing equal opportunities for all students, ensuring they receive the education they deserve. Education shouldn't depend on the wealth of one's community. We need transparency and a revised budget plan that prioritizes the needs of all Canutillo children.

Sign this petition to demand fair funding for Deanna Davenport Elementary. Let's hold our school board accountable and ensure every child has access to quality education in their own community.