Frequently Asked Questions

On November 2, 2010 Scottsdale Unified School District voters will be asked to vote on the SUSD Bond.

Printable Parent Fact Sheet

• Why is this the right time for a school bond election in Scottsdale?
• What is the purpose of the SUSD Bond?
• What will the passage of this bond cost me?
• Why does the school district ask the voters to approve bonds?
• How will the bond funds be used?
• How does the passage of the Schools Facilities Bond affect my property value?
• How can I trust that SUSD will spend the funds wisely and responsibly?
• How can I help Yes to Children?

Why is this the right time for a school bond election in Scottsdale?

Simply put, our buildings are run down; many of our middle schools are over 50 years old.  They are beyond their useful life, do not comply with modern safety standards, and are significantly outdated for the delivery of quality education.  Additionally, building costs and bonding financing rates are at historic lows, making now the right time to fix our aging schools.

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What is the purpose of the SUSD Bond?

The SUSD bond is dedicated to rebuilding and remodeling the 7 middle schools in the district with the goals of increasing safety, efficiency and academic programming support.  Rebuilding the middle schools will address safety issues such as asbestos containment, security enhancements, and allow for the creation of safe and proper bus drop off areas.  In addition, rebuilding the aging structures will increase energy efficiency; replacing old, energy-draining air conditioning units will allow funds to be diverted from utility bills to the classroom.  The bond will also support the kind of programming and curricula that is demanded by and required for our students to be successful in the 21^st century.  Better equipped science labs, increased foreign language labs, and continuing enhancement of technology will enable these new schools to promote and deliver the skills to our students that will prepare them for the 21^st century global marketplace.  Once passed, bond projects are expected to start in May 2011.

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What will the passage of this bond cost me?

There is no increase to the tax rate if this bond passes, due to the district’s responsible management of past taxation    measures.  This responsible stewardship has resulted in SUSD having the best bond rating of any public entity in Arizona.  If the measure fails, the average SUSD homeowner will see a diminutive reduction of only $6.25 per month to their property tax bill.  The bond will also save the district money.  It is estimated the reconstruction of old buildings will result in $410,000 in annual operation costs savings, funds that can be redirected to the classroom.

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Why does the school district ask the voters to approve bonds?

The state of Arizona has not funded capital improvements for the last 3 years; few funds were available even in better economic times to address inefficiencies, deterioration and even safety concerns at public schools.  Bonds can be forwarded to the voters in a district so they can decide in their own communities to support excellence in education through facilities renewals.

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How will the bond funds be used?

The total cost of the bond is $ 118 million.  It will be spent as follows:

$ 82,300,000   All 7 Middle Schools Renovated
                     and/or Buildings Replaced
$   9,000,000   Critical Elementary School Mechanical
                      Replacements
$   7,075,000     Building Systems Replacements and
                        Upgrades
$   5,200,000      Energy Efficiency Projects
$   6,000,000     Student Transportation Vehicle
                       Purchase
$   7,440,000     Campus Site Upgrades
$      985,000    Maintenance/Annex Facility Construct

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How does the passage of the school facilities bond affect my property value?

YES votes on this bond will help to ensure that SUSD schools remain the pinnacle of public school experience in our State.  Research has shown that robust school systems translate into higher property values in the surrounding neighborhoods.  Fixing our schools is the best investment to maintain the value of your property and desirability of your neighborhood, which ultimately enhances net worth.

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How can I trust that SUSD will spend the funds wisely and responsibly?

Scottsdale Unified School District has a proven track record of responsible stewardship of bond funds. Phase 1 of a well thought out Master Facilities Plan was the High School Bond passed in 2004; all projects came in on time, under budget, with not a single minute of lost instructional time, and proved to have a dramatic transformational effect on learning as well as on the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Voters should also know that Arizona law is very specific in how school district’s can spend the money received from bonds. These funds are audited every year to ensure they are being spent as directed by the voters, and there is a citizen Bond Oversight Committee to review the expenditures throughout the duration of the projects.

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How can I help Yes to Children?

By donating to the campaign, volunteering, hosting an event, putting a sign in your yard, and writing letters to the editor.  Go to our "I Want to Help" page to do your part!

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