Page 32 - The Edge Back to School 2022

CHECK OUT
CHECK OUT How Does Arizona Stack Up in Funding,
OUR
OUR
NEW LOOK!! Integrated Building Solutions Since 1986 Teacher Salaries, Class Sizes?
NEW LOOK!!
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30
Benson is your single source for comprehensive design, installation, construction,
service, and maintenance for Security, Fire & Life Safety, and MEP building solutions. schools, but did not put a dollar amount,” Griffith
Since 1986, we have provided complete vital building systems services across a said. “These are my estimates. It’s a huge issue in
wide range of building and client types. No matter the size of facility, our team
excels at new construction, as well as additions and renovations. We are a preferred your state. Whatever happens here will reverberate
provider for Avigilon Security Systems, the nation’s leading provider of around the country.”
advanced AI and video analytics.

The good news is that virtually every state is
experiencing increases in spending, and income
and sales taxes, plus substantial increases in
federal funding. “They’ve got enough money to
SECURITY FIRE & LIFE MEP increase state funding, cut taxes and put money in
SAFETY (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) reserve accounts,” Griffith said. “It’s a good time

for state legislators – they can do everything they
want.”
BENSON PROUD PARTNERS
2065 West Obispo Avenue
Suite 101 Griffith said he’s not worried about a funding cliff
Gilbert, AZ. 85233
phone: 480.892.8688 www.benson-inc.com when federal dollars run out because schools are
not counting on them for the long run. “What I am
#1 EDUCATION BUILDER more worried about is going to be questions about
how these dollars are spent and the number of
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IN THE SOUTHWEST students served.”
Another issue of concern is public school
enrollment, which is down 1.2 million nationally.
“Where have those students gone?” Griffith said,
adding that private school enrollment is up by
only about 100,000. “Have they left the system or
is it only temporary because of the pandemic? We
are seeing a large increase in chronic absences.
Very depressing news.”

Proud Supporter of AASBO
and Arizona’s Bright Future. Michael Griffith can be reached at:
mgriffith@learningpolicyinstitute.org

www.coreconstruction.com

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32 THE EDGE BACK TO SCHOOL 2022