Just 796 registered voters in the Nogales Unified School District cast ballots on Tuesday, killing a critical budget override referendum, 443-353.

Not only did blatant apathy tank the measure, there was a misconception among some of those who did vote that the override would add to their taxes. It would not have added a dime.

In the past nine years, override funds have paid addendums to teachers for their extra work as curriculum leaders, athletic coaches, and advisers for senior projects, music and drama, and the international baccalaureate program.

“I don’t want people to panic or overreact,” Superintendent Shawn McCollough told the Nogales International after the election. “I’m confident we can make the necessary adjustments in next year’s budget without laying people off.”

Well, you know? Maybe some people should be laid off, namely the double-dippers who flexed political might and managed to hang on to their jobs during the 2009-10 budgeting process. Where were they when it came to educating and getting people to the polls �“ an old grassroots effort �“ to save their jobs if nothing else.

“I am livid,” said former NUSD board member Heidi Ortiz. “The board sold it (the override) as a ‘no.’ Nobody pushed for it.”

Well, the board cannot legally push for such a referendum, but others who will be directly affected by its loss could have. As usual in Nogales, the crying will come after the milk is spilt.

McCollough hopes the district can bring the override back to the voters next year, before all the current funding is gone, he said. “I know the people of Nogales care about their schools.”

Do they?

(Write us at 268 W. View Point Dr., Nogales, Ariz., 85621 or editorial@nogalesinternational.com.)