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Phoenix Elementary board hears proposal to let voters OK long-term leases, sales and exchanges of district land
Summary
The board received a presentation on a November ballot proposition that would let the district enter 21–99 year leases, sell property (with proceeds restricted to bond debt repayment or building reinvestment) or exchange parcels; presenters said lease revenue would be used for preschool, safety, buses and new programming, while community speakers urged transparency and protections against closures.
The Phoenix Elementary District governing board on Monday reviewed a proposed November ballot measure that would give voters permission for the district to sell, lease or exchange real property.
Sarah Sims, the district’s executive director of strategic initiatives, told the board the proposition would allow three distinct actions if approved: enter long-term leases (21–99 years), sell property with proceeds restricted to bond debt repayment or reinvestment in buildings, and swap parcels in limited circumstances. Sims said long-term leases can help potential developers secure financing and that lease proceeds are more flexible than sale proceeds, and could be used for transportation, preschool supplements, safety upgrades, teacher mentoring programs and to seed new programming designed to attract families.
Sims pointed to several properties already subject to long-term voter‑approved leases — Booker T. Washington, Fillmore and Monterey Park — and said Monterey Park’s reported $15.54 per-square-foot figure includes in‑kind services such as discounted childcare and half‑day preschool slots that benefit employees and families.
During public comment, parents and community members urged both caution and transparency. "Our district is at a breaking point right now," said parent Allison Gullick, who cited a more than 10% drop in enrollment since prior closures and urged the board to prioritize classroom investment over contracts and leases. Community member Paul Booth asked the board to publish full lease terms, including actual rent, whether utilities are included and who is responsible for maintenance; he said a lack of transparency could undermine future bond and override support. April Pettit, president of PECTA, urged volunteers to support the district override and described the override as "not a tax increase" but essential funding to protect teacher pay, arts, counseling and class sizes.
Board members asked whether the ballot item would permit future school closures. Sims repeatedly clarified that a closure follows a separate statutory process — public notice, meetings and community input — and that the proposition only changes land‑use authority (sale/lease/exchange), not closure procedure. Sims gave the example of the New Times building and said long leases could enable housing or youth‑center development by making projects financeable.
Sims described an internal review committee that evaluates prospective lessees on metrics such as community benefit, student access and alignment with the district mission; she emphasized that leases are reviewed by legal counsel and that lease agreements spell out rent, utilities and custodial responsibilities.
The presentation did not propose immediate sales or leases; Sims said the district currently has no intent to sell the listed properties and that any future deals would return to the board for approval. The board did not take a vote on placing the measure on the ballot during the public presentation; the item was an informational briefing and Q&A.
What’s next: The presentation becomes part of the public record and board members said they want continued transparency on lease terms and the review process as voters consider the proposition ahead of the November election.
