Inside Mesa

We all have heard how real estate is currently on a down note, but after talking with some buiders in Gilbert and finding out that a couple of resale homes I showed to clients this weekend have competing offers, I’m geting the feeling that the market is turning around!One builder is currently offering $50k-$60k in incentives, but after talking with the salesperson there on how busy they’ve been, the feeling is that these incentives will certainly be reduced and sales prices adjusted accordingly. Another builder offering "spec" homes seem to be raising the price of each subsequent spec home as the one before it sells. It may be too early to tell, but if interest rates remain stable and as more people move here, I do expect the current real estate down turn to change very soon.

All-day kindergarten for the business community is a high priority according to the Arizona Department of Education, and no wonder. Studies show $1 spent on academic oriented all-day kindergarten can equal over $7 or $8 spent later in grades trying to produce the same academic progress; a cost-effective method increasing academic performance in students. With English immersion, all-day kindergarten also gives five year olds an edge for those learning languages quickly, enabling them to function in English for all of their school years.One of Arizona’s budget highlights was the Governor approving the single most education funding according to Kirk Adams, House of Representatives, Legislative District 19, who worked diligently for the education budget. Mesa Public Schools will receive 7.7 million additional funds for all day kindergarten. Out of the 58 public schools in Mesa, more than 60 all-day classes will be added to 44 schools. Teachers are needed….new applicants or retired kindergarten teachers are encouraged to apply.About 17 schools are fully staffed, currently 33 schools are getting one new all-day class; 8 with 2 sections, 3 with 3 new sections. Dr. Debra Duvall, Superintendent, MPS is looking to solve one problem - space. Possibilities - buy portable classrooms or move some programs off elementary campuses to other facilities.How many are expected this year in all-day kindergarten? A projected 6,679 - school offices are open if you need to enroll your child.