SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottsdale Unified School District voters will decide this November whether to approve a $375 million bond measure after the district’s governing board unanimously approved the proposal Tuesday night.
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In a 5-0 vote, board members agreed to send the measure to voters during the November election.
District leaders say the funding would help pay for projects across the district, including security upgrades, aging infrastructure repairs, technology improvements and campus modernization efforts. Officials said a majority of the funding would go toward what the district calls “learning environment improvements.”
The proposal was originally expected to cost more than $416 million before district officials reduced it to $375 million.
According to district estimates, the proposed bond would increase the property taxes on a $500,000 home by about $13 per month.
District officials also outlined how funding would be distributed among school communities. Desert Mountain Learning Centers would receive the largest share at 28%, while Arcadia and Saguaro Learning Centers would each receive the smallest share at 14%.
Supporters of the proposal say the funding is necessary to maintain school facilities and keep campuses safe and competitive for students and families.
However, in a survey, parents and community members raised concerns about the proposal, questioning whether now is the right time for a large funding request as enrollment declines in parts of the district.
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The proposal also comes after the district approved a plan to close two schools, while discussions continue surrounding possible future school consolidations and closures.
If approved by voters, district officials say a bond oversight committee would supervise spending through monthly meetings and reviews.
This would not be the first major bond approved by Scottsdale voters. In 2016, voters approved a $229 million bond package that funded school rebuilds, transportation improvements, security upgrades and campus renovations across the district.
Arizona school districts often rely on voter-approved bonds and overrides to fund major capital projects and infrastructure improvements that are not fully covered through state funding.
Scottsdale Unified voters will make the final decision on the proposed bond measure during the November election.
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