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Scottsdale Unified board votes to put $375 million bond and property-sale authorization on Nov. ballot
Summary
After presentations on project scope and tax impacts, the Scottsdale Unified School District governing board voted unanimously to call a special bond election for Nov. 3, 2026, on a $375 million capital measure and separately authorized a ballot question to permit sale of three district properties if later approved by the board.
The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board unanimously voted May 12 to place a $375 million capital bond on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot and to ask voters for authorization to sell specified district properties. District staff explained the bond would focus on facility-condition work and prioritized projects across learning communities, with the Desert Mountain learning community receiving the largest share because of its size and age.
Finance staff and the district’s tax consultant presented the package and a voter-pamphlet preview. The bond ask was reduced from a previously discussed $416 million to $375 million after further review of project lists and cost assumptions. The district estimated construction-inflation assumptions of 3.5% in its planning and cited prior post‑COVID price volatility as a reason for conservative budgeting. The consultant also reviewed an estimated voter‑pamphlet tax-rate illustration and projected election costs, including pamphlet printing and translation services.
Board members pressed staff on timing, early planning costs and how quickly projects could start once bond proceeds are available. Staff said they plan a zero‑cost early planning posture and to avoid major consultant commitments until after a successful vote, except for vendor work needed to begin immediate safety or security projects. The board voted 5–0 to call the bond election. Vice President Mike Shy and other board members emphasized community outreach and a bond‑oversight committee to govern spending if voters approve the measure.
On a related question, the board also voted to place on the November ballot an authorization that would allow the governing board, if it chooses later, to sell three district properties (listed in board materials). Officials said the authorization merely enables future sales; it does not obligate the board to sell. Members noted including the authorization on the same ballot reduces separate election costs. That motion also passed unanimously.
Next steps: the district will finalize ballot language and pamphlet materials, continue outreach to voters and convene a bond‑oversight group should voters approve the measure.
