Phoenix Elementary board frames ballot question on property leases, outlines budget impact and focus on math achievement

The Phoenix Elementary School District Governing Board and Superintendent discussed a proposed ballot question on using underused district property for long-term leases or exchanges, recent budget pressures after federal grant reductions, and the district's efforts to bolster student math outcomes.

Board President Carmen Trujillo said the ballot measure is intended to give the district more flexibility to fund programs without raising taxes. "A yes vote gives the district the flexibility to use our properties to generate long term revenue, long term revenue streams that, directly impact our students without without creating new taxes," Trujillo said.

Superintendent Deborah Gonzales and board members framed the measure as an option for generating revenue to support preschool, after-school programs, field experiences and teacher training while stressing it is not intended as a pathway to close schools. Gonzales said, "The governing board does not intend to sell district properties, but we wanna seek voter approval to be able to enter into long term leases of our unused and underused school properties." She…