The Governing Board of Balsz Elementary School District has called this special bond election to continue to respond to requests from the community, parents and business partners to assist to meet the academic needs of all of our students in well-maintained facilities.

Over the years, the State has reduced the amount it gives schools for capital expenses. While the State is restoring capital funding to schools, the restoration does not cover needed improvements, repairs and replacement of facilities, technology, transportation and other capital needs.

Therefore, BESD relies on bond monies to keep schools up-to-standard.

Bonds are loans made to the school district. Generally, schools use bonds to purchase capital items and/or make capital improvements to existing facilities, such as building or renovating a school or purchasing school buses.

The funding can only be used to fund projects that have a useful life longer than five years. They are repaid over a set period, and the district must provide the community with information on how the dollars are spent.

Funds from a bond cannot be used for employee compensation.

The capital projects will include:

• Renovations and improvements to existing school facilities (including a gym at Brunson Lee and cafeteria at Tilman).
• Technology upgrades for security and to enhance learning opportunities.
• Improvements to school grounds.
• General and preventative maintenance of facilities.
• Purchasing equipment, technology and furniture and school buses.

These projects will benefit students, teachers and the community by providing modern, safe and functional learning environments across the district.

They will be used to continue the mission and vision of “nurturing the unique skills and abilities of all learnings empowering students to be globally competitive and innovative thinkers who contribute to their community’s sustainability.”

The proposed Special Bond is for $18,000,000. It is expected the bond would be paid back over a period of 18 years.

Each homeowner pays property taxes based on the value of their home as determined by the Maricopa County Tax Assessor. *NOTE: This is not the same as market value, which is often higher.

The average home in BESD is valued for tax purposes at $174,700. So, the cost of the proposed BESD Special Bond to the average Balsz District homeowner would be $53.38 per year or $4.45 per month.

To calculate your specific cost, find the assessed value as reported by the Maricopa County Assessor. For every $100,000 of assessed value of your home, you will pay $30.56 per year or $2.55 per month.

While State monies help address a portion of the District’s needs, the current State funding formula alone is not sufficient to address all the needs. The District has and will continue to work hard to obtain all funds available from the State (including funds through the State School Facilities Oversight Board) to assist with the District’s facility needs.

The Governing Board takes fiscal responsibility very seriously. Schools play a key part in our community’s ability to attract jobs and economic opportunities.

The funding provided from this bond election will ensure our campus facilities maintain their quality standard for years to come. The Balsz Elementary School District recognizes the importance of providing quality educational opportunities for students and protecting the public’s investments in school facilities.

Arizona law requires Districts to list how schools will spend bond funds in the voter information pamphlet. As a result, the district is required to comply or be in violation of Arizona state law.

Additionally, school districts that have bonds approved by the voters must hold public hearings annually to alert the public on the progress of how the bond proceeds are spent.

Yes. Surveys and research have shown that sound K-12 educational offerings along with quality school facilities and equipment that provide a safe, pleasing environment translate into higher property values in the neighborhoods that surround our schools.

The District will have to rely upon the limited State funding to meet as many facility, safety, security, transportation, and technology needs as possible. Many projects will go unfunded.

The Bond will be on the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 ballot. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Early voting for this measure will start October 9. Last day for voter registration is October 7. Last day to request an Early Ballot is October 25. Last day to mail back your Early Ballot is October 29.