NW Valley Times

The Peoria Unified School District Governing Board discussed adding another bond proposal to the November voting ballot during a meeting held on May 22.

The Board discussed the $250 million bond proposal recommended to them by the Citizens' Bond Advisory Committee in early May, which is when they directed the district's administration to prepare all of the necessary resolutions and systems to put the proposal on the ballot in November. The Board was also given a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Michelle Myers, who welcomed Paul Gales from the district's bond law firm Greenberg Traurig. They were also joined by Randie Stein and Bryan Lundberg from Stifel, the district's bond underwriter. Myers' presentation explained to the Board how the bond's value was decided on and formulated by their administration and committee members. The district currently has $153 million in outstanding bonds that will run from Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 through FY 2036. The new bond would run from FY 2025 through FY 2049 at the minimum.

“The Citizens Advisory Committee met throughout the spring and came forward with a recommendation for a $250 million bond authorization that was based primarily on $208 million of facility maintenance projects, technology, safety, transportation and related needs that were presented by the district to the committee, as well as new elementary school construction at the Meadows and another northern elementary parcel in the district, as well as new construction for an academic building at Liberty High School," Myers said. "The amount also includes funding to purchase land for a future high school when it becomes available from a developer or from the state of Arizona through auction.”

Some community members commented on the subject, saying that they didn't find the bond necessary and calling it a waste of money that showed the district's laziness regarding finances. Others were supportive of the expansion of facilities to best educate and support their children. The Board was divided, with members Rebecca Hill and Heather Rooks struggling to support it with many community members struggling with their own finances. Board President David Sandoval said that they have needed a bond since he was elected in 2016. The Board will be presented with the final resolution for voting at a later meeting, at which point the proposal may be added to the official November ballot.