Meeting Growth. Expanding Schools.
The Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD) Governing Board called for a $70 million special bond election in June 2024. The bond election, set for November 2024, aims to accommodate rapid enrollment growth and supplement inadequate state funding without increasing the tax rate.
Voter's Choice
If approved, the $70 million bond will address rapid growth in enrollment and provide funding to:
- Add two new schools for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
- Expand high school space to focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE), College Prep, and Workforce Development.
If not approved, there would be inadequate funding for new school construction and expansion of classroom space, resulting in:
- Increased class sizes.
- Spaces that are inadequate for students and teachers.
- The district would be forced to choose between features like indoor cafeteria space and drywall, or basic needs like chairs for students and teaching stations for teachers.
- Limited Career and Technical (CTE) class offerings due to lack of classroom space.
- Elimination of learning spaces dedicated to art, music, and other specials.
Bond Funds Accountability
The district is committed to good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. A committee comprised of district representatives and community stakeholders will be established to provide oversight and regular updates to the community.
Voting Information
- Election Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
- Last Day to Register to Vote: Monday, October 7, 2024
- Last day to Request Ballot by Mail: Friday, October 25, 2024
- Early Ballots Mailed: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
- Last Day to Mail Ballots: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
- Polling Locations: www.pinal.gov/299/Election-Polling-Places
How Are Public Schools Funded?
Maintenance & Operations Fund:
Day-to-day expenses like salaries, utilities, and supplies.
Capital Fund:
For building and funding schools.
Enrollment Projections
Current Enrollment: 9600+
Projections estimate an additional 7,400 students in the next 10 years, or an average of about 820 students per year. That's the equivalent of a new school every 2 years.
MUSD Bond Prop 488 Fact Sheet
Inside MUSD Podcast
Estimated Average Annual Bond Tax Rate Per $100 of Assessed Valuation: $0.6289
New School #1:
- Opens: July 2026
- Capacity: 1,208 Students
- Cost: $43,984,850
- Funding: $31,486,603 (SFD Grant) + $12,498,248 (Bond)
Additional 9-12 Classroom Space:
- Opens: July 2028
- Capacity: 1,330 Students
- Cost: $56,875,000
- Funding: $41,731,250 (SFD Grant) + $15,143,750 (Bond)
MHS Workforce Development Expansion:
- Opens: July 2027
- Cost: $20,475,000
- Funding: $20,475,000 (Bond)
New School #2:
- Opens: July 2028
- Capacity: 1,208 Students
- Cost: $43,984,850
- Funding: $23,049,680 (SFD Grant) + $20,935,170 (Bond)
How Bonds Work Video
Frequently Asked Questions about MUSD Bond Prop 488
- What is MUSD Bond Prop 488, and why is it needed?
- Why did the governing board choose $70 million for the bond?
- Why can't the district just use the money it's getting from the School Facilities Division (SFD), Maintenance & operations (M&O), or capital funding, or simply save the money?
- Why does the district need more schools? Can't the existing schools just add more portable classrooms?
- Why isn't School Facilities Division (SFD) funding sufficient to cover all of the district's needs?
- Does the City oversee school funding? Will this bond eventually lead to higher taxes?
- Didn't the new high school get built without a bond?
- Will this bond increase my property taxes?
- How much will my taxes decrease if Proposition 488 doesn't pass?
- How will the bond funds be used if Prop 488 is approved?
- What happens if the bond does not pass?
- What happens if the bond funds aren't enough to complete all projects?
- How does the bond address the district's rapid growth?
- What oversight will be in place to ensure bond funds are used appropriately?
- When will the new schools and expansions be completed?
- How can I learn more about the bond and its impact on the community?
- How can I participate in the bond election?