If you haven’t yet heard the news . . . BOTH of our measures have passed!
Bond – 58.7% yes
Capital Override –- 50.06% yes
In the end, the capital override passed by just 44 votes, so thanks all those who helped to the very end – holding signs outside of schools, working phone banks, forwarding emails, and rallying your contacts to get out the vote. This is a nail-biting reminder that every vote really does count and is worth fighting for.
We want to thank everyone who helped with our campaign efforts. This is a win for our students, our schools, and our community.
Bond and Capital Override Basics
What are the two PVUSD measures that will be on the November 8th ballot?
A renewal of a Bond and a Capital Override measure to fund necessary repairs and renovations and provide much-needed instructional materials for students. If approved, these ballot measures will not increase your taxes.
What is a bond and what is a capital override?
A bond is a loan made to the school district. A capital override is a voter-approved increase to the state budget formula for school district capital budgets.
All money generated by this election can only be spent on buildings and grounds, school furniture, equipment and technology, instructional materials and vehicles. It cannot be spent on salaries or other expenditures related to our district’s operations.
If the bond and capital override are approved, there will be no increase to District tax levies.
Why is the election necessary?
School capital needs can only be met through voter-approved funding. No state capital funds are expected for the next four years.
The District capital budget for books, furniture, and instructional materials has been reduced from $7.2 million to $145,000, or less than $5 per student.
The bond funds will be dedicated to improving our facilities and equipment. Since 1998, the state has not transmitted approximately $38 million of building renewal funding required by law. The state has provided no building renewal funds at all for the past three years. These funds are used to repair and renovate major building items such as roofing, air conditioning, and electrical & fire safety systems.
Doesn’t PVUSD already have a bond and capital override in place?
Yes, however current bond funding is expiring, and the capital override will replace the current override – and the district is requesting less money ($5.87 million) than in the current measure ($9.14 million).
Is there a plan for how the funds will be used?
Absolutely. PVUSD’s Facilities Master Plan guides how the district will spend override and bond monies. The Master Plan identifies major capital needs for every facility; it was created with the input of residents, principals, parents, and administrators.
PVUSD will use these bond and capital override funds to: repair and renovate existing schools to address safety issues including fire and security systems, heating and cooling units, roofing, and energy management systems; purchase library books, text books, and instructional materials; update technology and maintain and replace school buses as well as support vehicles needed for maintenance workers and instructional specialists.
What are the benefits to taxpayers, students, and the community?
School buildings have been carefully maintained, but age and lack of adequate state funding have taken their toll. Maintenance reduces energy and future costs; this maximizes dollars available for instruction. The bond and capital override will ensure that Paradise Valley Unified School District schools are safe and meet the needs of all students.
Approval will promote a safe and healthy educational environment that’s conducive to learning, and will pay for the technology that’s necessary for teaching 21st century skills. It will provide for instructional materials needed to cultivate the world-class thinkers our students must be to compete and lead globally.
These measures will benefit the community. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, good schools are the most important amenity in a buyer’s decision to purchase a particular home.
Quality schools are key to supporting employment by attracting business relocation and investment to the northeast Valley: employers look for an educated, well-prepared workforce.
How long does the money last?
The bonds are expected to be issued over four to five years. The override will last for seven years.
What will happen if the capital bond and override do not pass?
The district will be required to use operations funds to pay for renovations. That means cuts to the operations budget, which could result in increased class size, reducing or eliminating special programs, additional layoffs and reducing school supplies.
What is the effect on taxes?
These ballot measures will NOT increase your taxes.
Both of these measures are replacing current capital override and bond measures passed in 2005. PVUSD has consistently been fiscally conservative and managed its resources well. It will do all this at a very reasonable cost. District-related tax levels would remain the same as they are now if both the bond and capital override are approved.
The savings to taxpayers should they fail would be $1.50 a year on a $100,000 home ; that’s less than $5 on a $300,000 home. However, the loss for our schools and community would be significant.
To find out more please visit: http://www.yesforpvstudents.com/index.html
