This November, area voters will be asked to approve Proposition 401, a proposed school bond for the Sahuarita Unified School District allowing for a $50 million investment in schools; supporting the efforts to ensure safe, future-ready school facilities with no expected increase to the school tax rate.
After extensive community outreach and engagement with district families, (including the collection of over 700 feedback surveys), the district has shared that this bond presents the opportunity to invest in all schools within the district.
Dr. Valenzuela, Superintendent for the Sahuarita Unified School District, said “This bond measure presents an opportunity to make a transformational, intentional investment and impact on our schools, through enhanced safety measures, technology advancement, renovation and construction of existing facilities, and needed furniture and equipment. The bond package has been collaboratively planned, thoughtfully developed, and designed to support all schools, and the greater community.”
The planned investments by the district are in five main areas: Safety ($9 Million), Renovation of Facilities ($15 Million), Construction of Facilities ($19 Million), Technology ($5 Million), and Furniture and Equipment ($2 Million). These investments will help to provide clean, safe, and modern environments and resources for students where they need it most.
According to the district, all schools will receive upgraded security cameras, ballistic resistant glass, cyber security tools, enhancement of public address systems, instructional classroom technology, chairs, desks, and tables – just to name a few.
Intentional planning and careful fiscal management enabled the district to retire old debt and refinance at a historically low interest rate – putting it in the position to save. Furthermore, the continued growth of the greater community in residential and commercial areas has resulted in an increased total assessed valuation, which supports a stable tax assessment.
With the passing of the proposition, K-8 schools in the community will also receive an upgraded playground and courtyard, a cafeteria expansion, and new classrooms for mainstream and special education to support growth. District high schools will receive additional lighting, NJROTC space expansion, enhanced science laboratories, a new performing theater, and much more. Given that the average age of existing school buildings is thirty years old – with the oldest being over fifty years old- renovation and construction of new facilities on campuses are greatly needed.
Schools have always been a cornerstone of the Sahuarita community, and parents have relied on the schools to provide their children with a quality, engaging and well-rounded education. The children of Sahuarita are dependent on their community to continue supporting measures such as this to maintain and enhance the quality of these schools; this in turn benefits everyone by increasing property values, fostering a stronger and more educated workforce, and more.
This election is an all-mail election, and ballots will arrive in mailboxes mid-October. While voters are encouraged to vote as soon as possible, ballots must be mailed back by October 31st to make the deadline. Voters can also drop off their ballots on Election Day at a Ballot Replacement & Drop-Off location; the one available locally will be at the Sahuarita School District Administration, at 350 W. Sahuarita Rd, Building 10.
Support a bright future for the children of Sahuarita by voting Yes on Proposition 401. For more information and to learn how you can get involved, visit YesforSahuaritaSchools.com.