Tucson Standard

The Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) approved a $480 million bond to be added to the Nov. 7 election ballot at their June 13 meeting.

The funds will be used mostly for capital projects, according to a video of the meeting posted to the school district’s YouTube page. Residents of the school district will vote on the proposal this fall.

During the governing board's meeting, members heard comments from their district members and voted unanimously to add the bond to the ballot. According to district financial officer, Ricky Hernandez, the election could cost up to $1.1 million to conduct, unless the Tucson City Council agrees to a consolidated election.

The proposal breakdown on the district’s website shows about $264 million will support facility improvements, including new or updated air conditioning units, new roofs and floors, updated plumbing and restrooms, new courts, fields, parking lots, and updated energy efficient systems. The bond will also fund new science and learning labs, improved school safety, and technology. Approximately, $31 million is being allocated for transportation costs and bus replacement.

“So, it's a 69-cent tax rate based on a yearly [tax rate],” Hernandez said.

The average home value for homes in the district is $183,000, he said.

“It's about $126-$125 would be the average levy on a homeowner in TUSD throughout the life of the bond,” Hernandez said. “Obviously, those tax rates are dependent on the value of the properties in the county, which the district does not control.”

The board discussed the bond, then made an amendment to the item to ensure that a bond oversight committee would be created to ensure best practices and efficient use of taxpayer money.

Board President, Ravi Shah, said the process is the start of good things for the district.

“Tonight, I could not be more excited for what the future of our district could be and the opportunity before us this November if this governing board decides to go for a bond and if our voters, our community members throughout our entire region of TUSD decides to invest in our schools," he said. "I don't think there is a more important vote that (we) will take during this term on the TUSD governing board than the one we'll take tonight on whether to ask our Tucson community to truly invest in our schools and our students in our district and the future of Tucson. For an investment of just $126 for the average homeowner annually, we can finally modernize our schools and facilities. We can update our 25, 50, 75, 100-year old buildings with new floors, bathrooms, stages, courts and fields."