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Sunnyside board reviews proposed bond scenarios as district readies capital-needs assessment
Summary
District staff presented three bond scenarios ($95M, $105M, $130M), estimated taxpayer impacts per $100,000 of assessed value, and a timeline including required public notices and a proposed June resolution to place a question on the November ballot.
Sunnyside Unified staff told the Governing Board May 13 that an independent capital-needs assessment and a public engagement campaign are under way as the district evaluates a potential bond election.
Carla Walters, presenting bond scenarios prepared with financial advisers, outlined three sample authorizations: $95 million, $105 million and $130 million. Walters said the lowest scenario would cost an estimated $73 annually (about $6.12 per month) for each $100,000 of assessed home value; the $105 million scenario about $81 annually ($6.76/month); and the $130 million scenario about $101 annually (roughly $8.35/month), figures that district staff said would be printed on a ballot question if the board calls an election.
Nut graf: District leaders said aging roofs, HVAC and other infrastructure needs make a bond the most feasible option to address widespread capital repairs and modernization over a multiyear plan; they emphasized early community engagement and transparency on specific projects and costs.
Dr. Morado said preliminary audits and a roofing contractor's review show substantial deferred maintenance that likely exceeds what the annual capital budget and override can address. Walters noted a new statutory requirement (A.R.S. —16-226/227 as discussed at the meeting) to publish notices well before the board's formal decision window, meaning the district must publish preliminary notices in late May if it moves forward.
Board members discussed outreach plans and messaging. Several trustees urged emphasizing building safety and using visual renderings to show deterioration and planned improvements; others warned about political headwinds given failed local measures elsewhere and urged careful voter education. Walters said any bond authorization would be valid for 10 years and that the district would likely sell bonds in series as projects require funds rather than borrowing the full amount up front.
Ending: No bond resolution was adopted at the meeting. Staff said they will present the capital-needs assessment and a proposed five-year capital plan at subsequent board meetings before the board decides whether to call an election.
